By Plenary Sessions: Riina Sikkut

The speaker, who is in the opposition, sharply criticized the government's priorities, labeling them "bizarre" and illogical. He objects to the tax cut granted to foreign online casinos and the prioritization of prison rent, while simultaneously highlighting the failure to provide a VAT exemption for foodstuffs. The focus remains on evaluating the substance of the policy and the government's actions, noting that life does not begin or end with the appointment of any single minister.

The speaker, a member of the Social Democratic faction, expresses strong opposition to the government's tax policy, particularly the increase in consumption taxes and the elimination of the 'tax hump' (or 'tax bracket adjustment'). They stress the importance of social justice, supporting the ability to cope financially (raising the subsistence minimum), and consumer protection against breaches of competition law. Their political stance is strongly value-based, linking economic well-being to national security ("economic well-being is security").

The political focus centers on the overburdening of the judicial system and the need to improve consumer protection, particularly concerning consumer credit. The speaker strongly criticizes the actions of the government (Eesti 200), alleging that the draft competition law is being politically overemphasized while crucial social legislation (the Consent Law and the Equality Law) is being postponed. The political framework appears highly procedural and results-driven, which casts doubt on the government's true motives.

The political focus is on the low added value of the Estonian economy and its historical dependence on foreign capital, a point illustrated by the reference to "Swedish banks." The speaker urgently demands measures that would ensure local Estonian companies have equal opportunities to invest in production. The goal is to overcome the disparity between the high level of education and the low value of exports, emphasizing the need for capital to be locally tied ("kihelkond").

The politician’s position is one of strong support for withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention, a move necessitated by Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and the significantly altered security environment since 2004. The decision is based on both policy and values, underscoring the need to grant the Defense Forces the flexibility to select weapon systems capable of countering an overwhelming adversary. The objective is to make aggression against Estonia unfeasible, while simultaneously supporting adherence to international humanitarian law. The Social Democrats support leaving the convention.

The political focus is on supporting families with children and alleviating the cost of living, strongly backing the increase of child benefits to 100 euros for the first and second child. The speaker prefers addressing social concerns through the benefits system rather than relying on complex tax exceptions. Furthermore, the importance of keeping political promises and maintaining trust is highlighted.

The political position is strongly critical of the government’s infrastructure policy, asserting that this is an exceptionally political domain, not merely a matter of business. The speaker highlights the failure to achieve strategic objectives (such as reducing transport emissions and improving road safety) and urgently calls for the implementation of evidence-based policy. The focus is on results-oriented and values-driven policy design.

The political platform focuses on social security (raising the subsistence level) and supporting national defense expenditures. The main criticism is directed at the government's budget policy, highlighting the structural imbalance between permanent expenditures and permanent revenues, the resolution of which is being postponed until after the elections. The framing is strongly policy- and value-based, linking livelihood directly to security.