Agenda Profile: Varro Vooglaid
First Reading of the Draft Act on the Ratification of the Agreement between the Republic of Estonia and the Kingdom of Sweden concerning the Execution of Kingdom of Sweden Prison Sentences in the Republic of Estonia (682 SE)
2025-11-04
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political stance is firmly opposed to Bill 682 SE (the transfer of Swedish prisoners to Estonia), stressing that it is illogical and significantly escalates domestic security risks. This position is primarily policy- and performance-based, criticizing the government's efforts to deny the inherent dangers and paint an excessively positive picture of the draft legislation. Furthermore, the inefficient use of resources is criticized, specifically the diversion of internal security staff towards supervising Swedish prisoners.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in internal security, especially concerning the threat assessments and background checks carried out by the Security Police Board (KAPO), demanding the public disclosure of these documents. They have thoroughly studied the contract text and the explanatory memorandum (page 85), raising specific questions about the size of KAPO's additional expenditures and the reimbursement of costs by the Swedish state. They are also aware of the personnel shortages within the PPA (Police and Border Guard Board) and the Defence Forces.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, critical, and direct, accusing the opposing side of "sloganizing" and denying risks. He uses strong logical arguments (e.g., the illogicality of the claimed increase in security) and demands facing the facts. The tone becomes especially confrontational when he accuses the previous session chairman (Toomas Kivimägi) of "spouting nonsense from the podium" and speaking untruthfully.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active during the Riigikogu session, repeatedly raising questions and submitting procedural motions concerning the accessibility of information. They reference their involvement in the Legal Affairs Committee and their familiarity with the discussions held there, although they mention having been absent on one occasion due to a doctor's appointment. The primary focus of their actions is directed towards ensuring transparency and keeping members of parliament fully informed.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The key opponents are the bill’s supporters (the minister) and the Riigikogu board/session chairs, who are being criticized for denying risks and disseminating inaccurate information. The criticism is intense and targets both the political substance (the threat to internal security) and procedural dishonesty (the concealment of secret threat assessments). Toomas Kivimägi, in particular, has come under sharp criticism for presenting false information regarding the committee discussions.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is demanding and controlling, aimed primarily at holding the minister and the session chair accountable. He points to the similar lack of awareness among his colleagues regarding KAPO (Internal Security Service) threat assessments, stressing that the issue affects members of the Riigikogu more broadly. Direct cooperation with other factions is not apparent from the profile, but he supports his colleague Rene Kokk's proposal to raise a procedural matter with the board.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is implicit, mentioning that bringing in serious recidivists affects Tartu, but this is merely an example of a broader national security problem. The primary emphasis is on national internal security and the international treaty with Sweden.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views focus on the sustainable and purposeful use of state resources, criticizing their allocation towards the supervision of Swedish prisoners. It demands clarity regarding the size of the expected additional expenditures of the Security Police Board and questions whether the Swedish state will actually cover these costs as stipulated in the contract. It emphasizes the necessity of avoiding costs that exceed the forecast.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is strongly directed towards ensuring internal security and public order, opposing the transfer of serious criminals and recidivists to Estonia. It emphasizes that the public has exactly the same right to know about security threats as members of the Riigikogu, criticizing the excessive classification of documents.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is centered on opposing Bill 682 SE and improving the Riigikogu’s internal procedures. The primary priority is a procedural amendment that would ensure Riigikogu members are notified beforehand about the existence of threat assessments compiled by security institutions before the bills are debated. He/She opposes the bill and is raising procedural issues.
5 Speeches Analyzed