Agenda Profile: Varro Vooglaid
Implementation of the 2025 presentation of the Minister of Justice and Digital Transformation, "Fundamental Principles of Legislation Policy Until 2030"
2025-05-08
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political focus is centered on ensuring strict adherence to the principles of the rule of law and legality, particularly regarding the constitutional analysis of draft legislation. The speaker expresses strong opposition to the systemic arbitrary exercise of power by the Government of the Republic and the violation of established legislative procedure. This position is strongly procedural, demanding absolute compliance with obligations to prevent the adoption of laws that conflict with the constitution.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the field of legislative procedures and constitutional law, citing precise statutory provisions (HÕNTE § 43 lg 1 p 5, PS § 3) and the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act. Statistical data and expert assessments (for instance, analysis was present in 44 out of 102 drafts) are utilized to evaluate the quality of government bills. This expertise is further evident in the proposal of a detailed four-level solution mechanism designed to resolve the issue.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, logical, and critical, emphasizing the seriousness of violating procedural rules and its impact on the rule of law. Vivid comparisons from everyday life (traffic, schoolwork) are used to illustrate the unjustified nature of the government’s actions. The tone is forceful and demands quick action, claiming that the problem can be solved within a week, provided there is the will.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker took part in the discussion following the presentation by the Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs, concentrating on one specific issue. Mention is made of recent efforts to submit a proposal to the Riigikogu Board aimed at improving the quality of legislation. Furthermore, activity related to sharing the draft guidelines for constitutional analysis with members of the Riigikogu is referenced.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary targets of criticism are the Government of the Republic and the ministries, who are accused of systematically disregarding existing law and creating arbitrary law. The Minister of Justice is criticized for the idea of selectively amending the requirement and for the lack of oversight. A compromise regarding the selective modification of the constitutional analysis is categorically rejected, as this would lead to the operation of arbitrary law.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style is rigorous, proposing a four-level mechanism (ministries, the Minister of Justice, commissions, and the board) for solving the problem. Furthermore, a proposal is being made to offer supplementary training to all Riigikogu members, which indicates a desire to raise collective competence. The speaker intends to share the constitutional analysis guide, prepared by the Ministry of Justice, with the Riigikogu members so that they can provide their input.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is exclusively at the national level, addressing the quality of lawmaking and ensuring constitutionality in the Republic of Estonia. The regional reference to Tallinn is used solely as an analogy to illustrate the violation of traffic regulations.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The issues of over-regulation and increasing administrative burden are mentioned in passing as important aspects of legislative policy. Specific positions regarding taxes, budget discipline, or economic growth have not been presented.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The treatment of social issues is indirect, centering instead on the requirement for analyzing the interference with constitutional rights during the legislative process. Emphasis is placed on implementing the principle of the rule of law and ensuring legality to prevent the imposition of restrictions that conflict with the constitution.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on enforcing compliance with the current rules of legislative drafting (HÕNTE) and improving the quality of legislation. The speaker is acting as the initiator, proposing to the Board of the Riigikogu that draft legislation lacking the required constitutional analysis should not be included in the agenda. Additionally, support is being provided for the Ministry of Justice to prepare a guideline for constitutional analysis.
2 Speeches Analyzed