Agenda Profile: Varro Vooglaid
Review of the Implementation of the "Fundamentals of Legislation Policy until 2030" in 2022
2024-01-24
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly critical of the government's legislative practices, highlighting a glaring contradiction between its declared ideals and the actual reality. The primary focus is on the absence of constitutional analysis in legislative drafts, which suggests a fundamental disregard for the principle of the rule of law. The criticism is also aimed at the inefficiency of the government's operations, given that the same issues recur year after year. The political framework is strongly value-based, emphasizing the necessity of taking the constitution seriously.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in legislative procedures and constitutional law, accurately referencing the regulations of the Government of the Republic (HÕNTE) and the decisions of the Riigikogu (ÕPA). This expertise is confirmed by the use of statistics and the thorough citation of Priit Pikamäe's expert opinion regarding the lack of constitutional analyses (e.g., in 9 out of 10 cases in 2021). Specific terms such as "drafting intention" (väljatöötamiskavatsus) and "rules of legal drafting" (normitehnika eeskiri) are utilized.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is predominantly formal, logical, and critical, emphasizing serious concern regarding the quality of legislation. Strong emotional appeals are utilized (e.g., "glaring contradiction") and documents and statistics are extensively cited to support claims of government inaction. One brief comment also includes a procedural observation, spiced with humor, concerning the addition of a "like" button to the Riigikogu (Parliament) consoles.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The records are limited to participation in the Riigikogu session on January 24th, where the review of the implementation of legislative policy was addressed. The speaker posed questions to the minister and delivered an extended address during the discussion of the topic. There is no information available regarding other activities or appearances.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary adversary is the Government of the Republic, particularly the Reform Party-led administration, which faces sharp criticism for systemic procedural violations. This critique focuses on the government's unwillingness to adhere to best practices in lawmaking and its failure to fulfill the requirement for constitutional review. A concrete example cited is the rapid adoption of the bill amending the Family Law, which bypassed established procedural rules.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker urges members of parliament and the public to personally examine the foundational legislative documents (ÕPA, HÕNTE) themselves, in order to verify the contradiction with reality. There is no information available regarding cooperation with the government or any willingness to compromise. Support and recognition are expressed for another colleague’s address ("That was a very good speech!").
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
None. The focus is entirely on the quality of national-level legislation, ensuring constitutional compliance, and the actions of the government.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker uses a socially sensitive topic—the draft bill on legalizing same-sex marriage—as an example, criticizing its rapid adoption and the disregard for procedural requirements (such as the intention to develop the legislation and constitutional analysis). It is emphasized that the justification for restricting individuals' fundamental rights was not assessed in the majority of cases.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is ensuring compliance with the rules of good legislative practice and drafting techniques (HÕNTE) and improving the quality of lawmaking. Priit Pikamäe’s proposal to supplement HÕNTE is supported, specifically to require a separate chapter in the explanatory memoranda accompanying draft legislation dedicated to the analysis of compliance with the Constitution, deeming this more important than the analysis of compliance with EU law.
5 Speeches Analyzed