Session Profile: Tanel Tein
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-05-29
Political Position
The focus is heavily centered on funding for extracurricular activities and sports, fundamentally supporting the restoration of grants, but acknowledging the limitations of the state budget ("the purse is not bottomless"). The political focus is directed toward finding alternative funding methods, especially the involvement of private capital, which is viewed as a solution with very high potential. The need to rectify previous cut decisions (the reduction of funding for hobby activities in 2022) is also highlighted.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Shows detailed awareness of the financing mechanisms for sports and culture, particularly regarding the amounts of subsidies for extracurricular activities and the logic behind the redistribution of school sports funding. It presents technical data concerning donation regulations under the Income Tax Act, specifically noting the 10% tax-exempt donation limit and the potential for nearly 1 billion euros. Furthermore, it expresses interest in future energy issues (the phasing out of gas by 2040).
10 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is predominantly factual, analytical, and constructive, fulfilling the role of a rapporteur by providing comprehensive committee summaries. It utilizes logical arguments and numerical data (funding totals, percentages). It expresses personal conviction and optimism regarding the idea of attracting private funding, while also offering perspectives from outside the commission.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Works actively as the rapporteur for the Culture Committee, presenting comprehensive summaries and conveying the viewpoints of various stakeholders (the ministry, parliamentary factions, experts). He/She actively participates in the plenary question-and-answer sessions, offering personal analyses in addition to the committee's official positions.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is directed at earlier government decisions to cut funding, which reduced support for extracurricular activities, although it acknowledges that the goal (raising teachers' salaries) was noble. It relays the criticism from the Centre Party faction regarding changes in the Ministry of Culture's funding (EKSL and Jõud), but supports the ministry's stance that the changes were necessary and aimed at broader inclusion.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The committee’s discussion is described as constructive and driven by the importance of the subject matter. It is proposed that the topic of involving private funding be added to the agenda of the Culture Committee, demonstrating an openness to discussing new solutions and fostering cooperation. Reference is made to close communication between committee members and representatives of the ministry.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It focuses on national funding mechanisms and nationwide organizations (EKSL, Sports Union Jõud). It notes that the leaders of nearly 40 local governments have joined the view that reducing support for hobby activities is incorrect, highlighting the role of local municipalities.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports fiscal responsibility, emphasizing that the state budget is limited. They are a strong proponent of involving private capital in financing sports and culture, proposing a state incentive model (similar to the pension system). They advocate for tax earmarking, ensuring that a portion of the sugar tax is specifically directed toward a designated sector.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social focus is on improving the quality and accessibility of youth extracurricular activities and school sports. It emphasizes the necessity of engaging the 50% of children who are currently inactive in sports. It views the importance of parental sports education and awareness campaigns as the solution.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative topics relate to Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) draft decisions 407 and 405, which seek the restoration of subsidies for youth extracurricular activities and school sports. It supports the swift discussion of the memorandum on attracting private funding within the government and the relevant committee. It expresses the desire to change the practice of earmarking taxes.
10 Speeches Analyzed