Agenda Profile: Aivar Sõerd
Continuation of the first reading of the Draft Law on the State Budget for 2026 (737 SE)
2025-10-08
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political stance centers on strong criticism of the budgetary procedure and the implementation of cuts. The speaker objects to the ministries' practice of using traditional cost budgeting when formulating these cuts, despite the fact that they are operating under an activity-based budget. This is clearly a procedural and policy-based objection that requires the government to strictly adhere to the established methodology when making budgetary decisions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the structure of the state budget and financial management, clearly differentiating the classical cost-resource budget from the activity-based budget. Technical terminology is employed, and specific expenditure items are enumerated (e.g., travel costs, IT costs), to substantiate the methodological inconsistency across the ministries.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, analytical, and directly questioning, addressing both the chair and the presenter respectfully. The speaker employs logical argumentation and the presentation of evidence ("I shall read this out") to highlight the procedural inconsistency, while strictly avoiding emotional appeals.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is too little data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Criticism is directed at the government and ministries, who are making budget decisions, including cuts, improperly. The objection is procedural, focusing on the ministries' inability to adhere to the principles of activity-based budgeting in their internal decisions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is too little data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
There is too little data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views stress fiscal discipline and transparency, demanding that ministries strictly follow the activity-based budgeting methodology when cutting costs. The speaker criticizes cuts to traditional expenditure items, indicating a preference for structured and program-based cost management.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is too little data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on processing the draft State Budget Act for 2026 (Bill 737 SE). The speaker’s role is that of a critical overseer, demanding strict adherence to the budget preparation methodology (performance-based budgeting) throughout the legislative process.
1 Speeches Analyzed