Agenda Profile: Varro Vooglaid
Draft law (534 SE) on Estonia’s accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child concerning procedures for complaints
2024-12-05
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary session.
Political Position
The political stance is vehemently opposed to the government-initiated accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, expressing concern that this move would effectively circumvent Estonian legislation. This position is distinctly value-based, stressing the protection of children while simultaneously accusing the opposition of being anti-child and anti-family. The speaker casts doubt on the opposing side's commitment to ensuring children's welfare, specifically citing the state funding of abortion.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the conflict between international and domestic law, specifically citing articles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (e.g., 12(1), 24, 36) and the wide range of interpretations they allow. Furthermore, knowledge is highlighted concerning Estonian laws regulating gender reassignment surgeries, and a legal solution is sought for situations where committee decisions conflict with Estonian law.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetoric is highly aggressive and accusatory, beginning with a denial of the absolute credibility of the opposing side's efforts. A strong moral framework is employed, labeling abortion funding as "child killing." Emotional accusations are combined with logical, technical questions concerning the necessity of changing laws and the mandate of the international committee.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
No data available
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponent is the Government of the Republic and the political parties involved in its activities, who are accused of being hostile to children and families. The criticism is intense and addresses both moral policy (abortion funding) and legal threats (the creation of a mechanism for bypassing laws). The opponent's efforts in the name of child protection are deemed "absolutely not to be taken seriously."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
No data available
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on domestic legislation and international treaties (the Convention on the Rights of the Child); there is no regional or local focus.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
No data available.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker holds strongly conservative views on social issues, opposing state funding for abortion and referring to it as "child murder." Concern was also voiced about allowing gender reassignment surgeries for minors, citing this as an example of domestic law being violated.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing Draft Act 534 SE (the Draft Act on Accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child). The speaker is the opposition, concentrating on whether the protocol establishes a mechanism that compels Parliament to amend existing Estonian laws if the committee’s decisions conflict with those laws.
2 Speeches Analyzed