Agenda Profile: Andre Hanimägi

The Ministry of Justice and Digital Transformation's 2025 presentation on the implementation of the state's long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035."

2025-04-15

Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.

Political Position
This political stance is highly critical of the government’s actions, focusing specifically on procedural failures (such as the violation of social dialogue concerning the Employment Contracts Act) and the poor quality of legislative drafting (including the fragmentation of the Competition Act and errors in transposing EU directives). The necessity of restoring public trust, ensuring citizen security (particularly regarding fraud), and protecting human rights is underscored. This position is fundamentally policy- and performance-driven, demanding that current problems be addressed honestly before any long-term visions are pursued.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the fields of legislation, digital state development, and cybersecurity, detailing the modernization of data law, the integration of artificial intelligence into court proceedings, and the challenges associated with transposing European Union directives. Knowledge of specific legal disputes is demonstrated, such as the conflict between the Employment Contracts Act and a ruling by the European Court of Justice, and the inefficient fragmentation of procedures under the Competition Act. Specific emphasis is also placed on the analysis and prevention of fraud risks stemming from the proliferation of artificial intelligence.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal and analytical, balancing acknowledgement of the "Estonia 2035" objectives with sharp criticism regarding the resolution of current problems. Specific examples are used (Pihlakodu, the cabling of parking lots) alongside references to authoritative bodies (the Auditor General, the European Court, the Labour Inspectorate) to strengthen the arguments. The tone is predominantly serious and demanding, encompassing both procedural elements and strong moral appeals (human dignity, sense of justice).

3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker participated in the debate following the presentation by the Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs, raising several critical questions and submitting proposals. Mention is made of the submission of an interpellation concerning the Pihlakodu case, along with a proposal to summon the Prosecutor General to the Legal Affairs Committee for a hearing. This points to active involvement in both plenary parliamentary debates and committee work.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at the actions of the government and the Ministry of Justice, sharply criticizing the violation of social dialogue concerning the amendments to the Employment Contracts Act and ineffective lawmaking (the fragmentation of the Competition Act). The criticism is policy- and procedure-based, accusing the government of undermining trust and creating excessive Euro-bureaucracy. The criticism was particularly sharp regarding the state’s initial statements in the Pihlakodu case, which offended the public’s sense of justice.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive engagement in social dialogue (labor law), demanding negotiations with employers and trade unions. Furthermore, they propose establishing a broad-based cooperation network to combat fraud, involving the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of the Interior, the police, the Financial Supervisory Authority, telecom companies, and banks.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national and international topics concerning the legal space and digital development, such as the implementation of the "Estonia 2035" strategy and the transposition of European Union directives. There is no specific regional or local focus, but emphasis is placed on protecting the security and property of the Estonian people against fraud.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives highlight the necessity of regulating the real estate market to shield both buyers and sellers from hidden defects. There is robust support for preserving social dialogue within labor law. The government faces criticism for the inefficient transposition of the Competition Law, which results in unnecessary fragmentation and substantial fines for businesses. Furthermore, there is opposition to bureaucratic solutions such as the "one law in, one law out" principle.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social sphere maintains a strong focus on protecting human rights and the dignity of vulnerable individuals, a priority highlighted specifically by the Pihlakodu case. Another critical topic is the widespread issue of fraud, which endangers the property and security of Estonian residents. This necessitates a swift and coordinated action plan from the state, encompassing reforms to criminal law and the simplification of damage compensation procedures.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Priorities include reviewing the amendments to the Employment Contracts Act to restore social dialogue, ensuring the effective transposition of the Competition Directive, and amending the regulation concerning hidden defects in real estate transactions. Additionally, a proposal is being made to establish an anti-fraud action plan that would strengthen criminal law instruments and improve the procedure for compensating victims for damages.

3 Speeches Analyzed