Agenda Profile: Andre Hanimägi
Inquiry regarding potential amendments to the Arms Act (No. 755)
2025-05-12
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting.
Political Position
The political focus is centered on amendments to the firearms law, where the speaker expresses strong opposition to increasing the number of weapons in society, linking this directly to a greater risk of accidents, suicides, and crime. There is moderate support for political measures aimed at reducing disproportionate bureaucracy for existing gun owners. The political framework is strongly value-based and security-oriented, critically questioning government policies that suggest an increase in the number of firearms.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of firearms law and internal security, using specific data regarding the statistics of issuing firearms permits (96% of applicants receiving permits vs 4% rejections). Reference is also made to police practice concerning air guns and replicas (over 400 call-outs per year) and knowledge of the legal grounds for applying for a firearm (hunting, sport, self-defense and property protection). The expertise is supported by international examples (the tightening of Finnish law after school shootings) and by referencing studies.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, analytical, and cautious, addressing the Minister respectfully while still posing critical and direct questions. The focus is placed on logical argumentation and risk analysis, emphasizing that an increase in the quantity of weapons does not automatically equate to greater security. The speaker demands an open and "honest" debate regarding the social consequences of increasing the number of weapons.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The operational strategy is aimed at scrutinizing and clarifying government policy by initiating an official inquiry to the Minister of the Interior to clarify the objectives and substance of the amendments to the Weapons Act. This demonstrates a proactive role in carrying out legislative oversight and steering the public debate.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at Interior Minister Igor Taro and his party colleagues (such as Tarmo Tamm), who support placing greater trust in the public and expanding access to firearms. The criticism is political and value-based, rejecting the assertion that an increase in the number of weapons ensures better security, and denying the Social Democratic Party’s accusations that they are harassing gun owners.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes readiness for open and constructive cooperation during the discussion of the Arms Act, especially concerning the reduction of bureaucracy for hunters and members of the Defence League (Kaitseliit). This willingness to cooperate is conditional, focusing narrowly on bureaucratic issues, and not on expanding the pool of individuals eligible to receive firearms.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is predominantly at the level of national internal security and, more broadly, the security of Estonian society. International comparisons are utilized to illustrate the consequences of gun policy (Finland, the United States), and reference is also made to an article in Pärnu Postimees concerning air weapons.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among social issues, the question of gun ownership and public safety dominates. The speaker prioritizes the prevention of accidents, suicides, and gun-related crime, contrasting this with the idea that the number of weapons should increase in low-crime Estonia. It is emphasized that ensuring security should not necessitate the arming of every individual.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on clarifying and influencing the content of the draft intention regarding amendments to the Weapons Act (No. 755). The speaker initiated this process via a formal query (interpellation) to ensure that the proposed amendments focus on reducing bureaucracy, not increasing the number of weapons, and specifically wants to know what concrete changes are being planned.
4 Speeches Analyzed