Agenda Profile: Tanel Tein

The speaker, representing Eesti 200, urgently stresses the need to treat sports as a critical national issue, given its direct impact on public health, the economy, defense readiness, and the nation's image. The political focus is shifting towards innovative financial solutions and a long-term systemic plan, contrasting with previous one-off political decisions. This stance is deeply value-based, emphasizing that children and their health must always take precedence over military expenditures ("Shells are not more important than children").

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the field of sports financing and its economic impact, backing up their points with specific figures and referencing studies conducted by the Foresight Centre. They provide a detailed analysis of the potential for attracting private funding (1 billion euros is possible, but only 0.5% has been realized so far). Furthermore, they propose a concrete solution for reforming the structure of the remote gambling tax, a change which could generate over 1 billion euros in tax revenue within a 10-year period. They also emphasize the economic benefits derived from preventing healthcare and social costs, noting the 46-fold return on a 1 euro investment dedicated to disease prevention.

The speech adopts an optimistic, innovative, and urgent tone, emphasizing the need for bold decisions that will propel Estonia forward over the next 20 to 30 years. The arguments presented are primarily logical and data-driven, relying on economic calculations and research, but they also incorporate an emotional framework centered on children's health. The speech concludes with a memorable anecdote about Iceland’s football victory and the subsequent rise in the birth rate, intended to highlight the social impact of sports.

The speech was delivered in the Riigikogu during a debate on a matter of national importance, which demonstrates a high level of political engagement. The speaker referenced their prior work, having spearheaded the establishment and operation of the Riigikogu working group on private capital involvement in the spring of 2023.

Criticism is aimed at previous policy, which has left the development of sports exposed to "political crosscurrents" and focused on one-off decisions instead of a systemic plan. The country's financial situation is also criticized for hindering the launch of innovative plans, although it is acknowledged that raising taxes is unpopular. The speaker also criticizes the current failure of the spirit of the law, which allows companies to donate 10% of their profit to associations that receive income tax benefits.

The speaker emphasized the strong cooperation, repeatedly citing the formation and leadership of the working group focused on involving private capital, which was done jointly with the Reform Party and the Social Democrats. He expressed satisfaction that the opposition was also included, and considers the collaboration between the state and the private sector to be key in shaping future mobility habits. This cooperation is directed toward achieving political decisions.

The primary focus is at the national level (the Estonian state, the Riigikogu/Parliament), but the regional aspect is addressed regarding the involvement of private funding. The speaker believes that bringing in private money would offer particular added value in rural areas and smaller localities where the sense of community is strong and local businesses are keen to invest in their home region (referencing the Põlva example).

The speaker advocates for economic growth and fiscal innovation, preferring the involvement of private funding over state subsidies due to the significant strain on the national budget (the "big hole" in the state's wallet). They view sports and culture as a robust economic sector and support mechanisms designed to incentivize private sector contributions (for example, state matching or leverage for donations). Smart tax design (such as the remote gambling tax) is also crucial for establishing a long-term, growing revenue stream.

A central social issue is children's sports education and the development of physical activity habits, given that nearly 30% of children are overweight and their activity levels are unsatisfactory. The speaker stresses that extracurricular activities serve as a crucial preventative mechanism, improving children's mental health and self-esteem while reducing future social and healthcare expenditures. The speaker also highlights the necessity of instilling enthusiasm for sports in parents as well.

The primary legislative priority is the launch of a private funding attraction plan within the culture and sports sector, requiring state leverage (one third of the donated sum). The second focus involves reforming the design of the remote gambling tax to establish a long-term funding source, both for the construction of sports facilities and for amplifying the private funding attracted. The speaker is taking the role of initiator, having already formed a corresponding working group in the Riigikogu.