Agenda Profile: Kadri Tali
First reading of the Draft Act (728 SE) on the Gambling Act, the Gambling Tax Act, the Act amending the Gambling Tax Act, and the Act amending the Cultural Endowment Act.
2025-10-21
15th Riigikogu, Sixth Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political focus is on establishing a new funding mechanism for culture and sports that would involve private sector capital and generate growth potential. The speaker strongly supports the draft legislation (Bill 728 SE), stressing that culture is a robust, value-adding economic sector, not a form of social welfare. The policy is strongly value-based, linking culture to the country’s image, its will to defend, and economic development.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker introduces themselves as a culture sector professional with 28 years of experience, including leadership roles at Eesti Kontsert and ERSO. They utilize statistics regarding the Ministry of Culture's budget allocation (e.g., media receiving 12%, music 5%) and reference the work done by economists and the Foresight Centre in developing a new model. They explain the potential of the new funding model, projecting additional annual revenue ranging from 10 million to 50 million euros.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is passionate, slightly dramatic, and expresses disappointment regarding the contradictions found in political promises. The speaker balances emotional appeals (referencing Estonian cultural achievements and a personal 28-year struggle) with logical arguments concerning the necessity of economic growth and the creation of added value. He uses cultural references and attempts to conclude with a consensual call for a unified voice.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker refers to their 28-year career in the cultural sector and 2.5 years of intensive work on this funding model, alongside a colleague and economists. No other information regarding frequency or rhythm is available.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism targets members of Isamaa, who are accused of a contradiction: vowing their support in writing while publicly taking an opposing stance. The speaker also criticizes those who deem the funding of culture through the gambling tax morally dubious, labeling this attitude cynical. This opposition is described as an "unprecedented inconsistency in words and deeds."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasized the close cooperation with his colleague Tanel Tein, as well as with economists and the Foresight Centre, during the development of the new model. He called upon the members of the Riigikogu to seek unified support and consensus in order to avoid confrontation and ensure economic development.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily at the national level (Estonian culture, the country's image) and on global competitiveness (Estonia as an export item, succeeding in the global market). The regional dimension is mentioned only generally, referencing culture's role as a "revitalizer of regional life."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives focus on creating added value, emphasizing culture and sports as both an economic sector and a potential export commodity. Support is given to public-private cooperation and the involvement of private capital to achieve financial growth without reallocating the existing budget. The use of the gambling tax is considered justified as a means of directing the taxation of vices toward the creation of added value.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is on the role of culture and sport in individual development and public health, emphasizing the impact of sport on the "health of the new generation." Mention is made of the embarrassment felt by cultural figures when contrasting themselves with representatives of other fields (teachers, doctors, rescuers), who are considered the audience for culture.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is the adoption of the draft bill (728 SE) amending the Gambling Tax Act and the Cultural Endowment Act, which aims to establish a new funding model for culture and sports. The speaker is a strong proponent and supporter of this initiative, viewing it as one of the most promising long-term solutions for the sector.
1 Speeches Analyzed