Agenda Profile: Andre Hanimägi
Draft law amending the Penal Code and other laws in connection therewith (sanctions violations) (441 SE) – second reading
2025-03-19
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position strongly supports transferring the investigative jurisdiction for sanction crimes from the Security Police (KAPO) to the Tax and Customs Board (MTA), emphasizing the need to free up KAPO resources and improve border control efficiency. This stance is primarily policy- and results-driven, focusing on optimizing the mandates of the agencies following the start of the full-scale war. The speaker opposes the rapid and broad expansion of surveillance powers granted to the MTA under a single draft bill.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise regarding criminal procedure, the competence of state agencies (KAPO, MTA), and the legislative process, particularly concerning the investigation of sanctions offenses. Specific terminology is employed, such as "surveillance authority" (or "operational competence") and "investigative jurisdiction." Reference is also made to the minimum requirements of the directive, explaining the technical amendments to the draft bill. This expertise is grounded in a long and thorough discussion held within the Legal Affairs Committee.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, procedural, and analytical, focusing on legislative details and the summation of committee deliberations. The speaker employs logical appeals, explaining the rationale behind decisions, the compromises made, and the achievement of consensus, while strictly avoiding emotional language. The tone is informative and thorough, emphasizing repeated discussion and careful consideration.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's mode of operation is linked to intensive committee work, indicating that the draft bill was discussed four times in the Legal Affairs Committee and procedural decisions were made on March 10th. The presentation is related to the report of the lead committee for the second reading of the draft bill, which demonstrates an active role in managing the legislative process. Meetings were held with representatives of the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of the Interior, the MTA (Tax and Customs Board), and KAPO (Internal Security Service).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
No direct political confrontation is being expressed, but disagreements are being addressed within the committee and between agencies regarding the expansion of the investigative powers of the Tax and Customs Board. The speaker rejected the proposal to quickly add this amendment to the draft bill, arguing that it would be unreasonable and would cause confusion. The criticism is procedural, not personal.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation was consensual and thorough, emphasizing broad discussion with representatives from the Ministries of Justice, Finance, and Internal Affairs, as well as the MTA and KAPO. The lead committee fully incorporated most of the proposed amendments and reached consensual procedural decisions, demonstrating a willingness to compromise, particularly regarding the separation of the issue concerning investigative jurisdiction.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level (amendment of laws, jurisdiction of agencies) and at the international level (EU sanctions, control of the eastern border). Emphasis is placed on the investigation of cross-border sanctions crimes, but there is no specific focus on Estonia's domestic regions or local projects.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic considerations are indirectly linked to the effectiveness of sanction enforcement and the more efficient utilization of state agency resources within the context of cross-border trade. The objective is to ensure that the MTA properly handles goods subject to sanctions (including cigarettes and cognac). Broader viewpoints concerning taxation or economic growth are not provided.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus regarding social issues is on law enforcement and security (sanctions crimes). The speaker stresses the necessity of balancing effective investigation with a cautious approach to expanding surveillance powers, in order to prevent confusion and ensure the quality of legislation. The possibility of reviewing penalties was mentioned, but not specific social topics.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft amendment to the Penal Code (Bill 441 SE), the primary objective of which is the transfer of investigative jurisdiction for sanction crimes from KAPO (Internal Security Service) to the MTA (Tax and Customs Board). The speaker, acting as the rapporteur for the leading committee, supports the bill and is responsible for its proceedings, emphasizing the technical and substantive improvements achieved.
7 Speeches Analyzed