Agenda Profile: Andre Hanimägi
Draft law amending the Road Traffic Act (616 SE) - first reading
2025-06-05
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The speaker strongly advocates for increasing the autonomy of local municipalities to regulate the number of rentable micro-mobility devices and user age restrictions within cities. The political focus is on safety and practical problem-solving, emphasizing that legislation must react quickly to rapidly changing transportation habits and technologies. They criticize the government's rigidity for failing to support granting greater rights to local governments.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of the current Traffic Act, distinguishing between small mopeds and light personal vehicles, as well as their respective licensing and helmet requirements. He/She is familiar with the regulations established by the City of Tallinn (parking, GPS-based speed limits) and the practical challenges of enforcement, particularly concerning age verification and the rights of the Municipal Police (Mupo). The speaker uses accident statistics and legal arguments (infringement of entrepreneurial freedom) to substantiate his/her views.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is logical and forceful, stressing the need to improve the situation because the current system "isn't working." He draws a contrast between Tallinn (a problematic major city) and rural areas (where regulation isn't as necessary) to justify the specific needs of local municipalities. He is critical of the government and the Reform Party, accusing them of engaging in an emotional political game concerning the powers of Mupo (the Municipal Police).
13 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active initiator of legislation, submitting a draft bill that is essentially a repeat of a previous failed attempt (following the motto, "If it failed once, try it again"). He actively participates in debates on the floor of the Riigikogu, answering questions and commenting on the government's negative feedback. He demonstrates persistence in solving the problem.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opposition stems from the government and the coalition (especially the Reform Party), whose negative feedback regarding the draft legislation is already known. The criticism targets the government’s political inconsistency (referring to differing viewpoints in Tallinn versus at the national level) and particularly emphasizes the fact that the Riigikogu has failed to grant the municipal police (Mupo) the necessary supervisory powers, labeling this failure "a matter of emotion and preference."
13 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the necessity of cross-party cooperation, noting that Tallinn's address to the state was both unanimous and non-partisan. He refers to the support given to the Center Party’s nearly identical bill and urges other local governments, such as Tartu, to join the effort so that the Stenbock government will hear their voice. He also views unified regulations as beneficial from the standpoint of business competition.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on major cities, especially Tallinn, which is considered the epicenter of issues related to rental vehicles and where the highest number of accidents occur. The experience of Tallinn (whose city council is led by social democrats) is used as an example of why this legislative amendment is necessary. The speaker also brings up Tartu and contrasts the needs of these urban centers with the situation in rural areas.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker advocates for regulating business through clear legislation to ensure safety and fair competition among rental service providers. He warns that retaliatory regulations imposed by local authorities (such as restricting speed as a punishment) would violate the constitution and the freedom to conduct business. The purpose of the draft bill is to establish uniform and reasonable rules for entrepreneurs.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is road safety, particularly the safety of pedestrians and young road users in dense urban environments. He/She highlights the problem of very young children (14-year-olds) operating small mopeds, and emphasizes traffic culture and the role of parents. He/She views a legislative age restriction as a practical solution that would reduce the burden of supervision.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker's priority is supplementing the Traffic Act with two straightforward provisions: granting local governments the right to establish a maximum number of rental vehicles (quotas) and an age limit for their deployment. He/She is the initiator and a strong proponent of the draft bill, stressing that it provides local authorities with "an opportunity, not an obligation" to regulate the situation. The failure to grant supervisory powers to Mupo (the Municipal Police) is also an important issue.
13 Speeches Analyzed