Agenda Profile: Andre Hanimägi
Draft law amending the Police and Border Guard Act (670 SE) – first reading
2025-06-18
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position strongly favors security and law enforcement, demanding the swift reinstatement of license plate recognition cameras as an essential tool for the PPA. Criticism is aimed at the interior minister's decision to shut down the cameras, which is considered a mistake that jeopardizes Estonia's security. The focus is on effectiveness and practical examples in solving crimes.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the technical details of the license plate recognition system (focusing on license plates, 175 cameras) and its legal framework (it operated under the Penal Code (KarS) and the Police and Border Guard Act (POLIS)). This expertise is underscored by specific examples of serious crimes—including a rape case and armed conflicts—that were solved using this technology.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is urgent, critical, and compelling, emphasizing the seriousness and danger of the situation. It employs both logical arguments (such as legal clarity and daily surveillance in shopping centers) and strong emotional appeals, citing examples of victims of serious crimes. The Interior Minister's decision is referred to as a "very, very dangerous game."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's activity pattern is linked to the work of the Riigikogu, involving participation in the sessions and discussions of the Legal Affairs Committee regarding the draft legislation. Mentioned are meetings held within the committee with representatives from the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs, and various agencies.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at the Minister of the Interior, whose decision to shut down the cameras is considered misguided and detrimental to Estonia's security, especially ahead of the summer season. Criticism is also directed at the Legal Committee, which initially refused to take the Ministry of the Interior's draft legislation into proceedings, causing confusion and delays.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is pragmatic and open, emphasizing that all political parties support establishing legal clarity. The speaker calls for the bill to be supported during the first reading, promising that any problematic areas can be corrected within the deadline set for amendments, despite having mixed feelings about the procedure used to initiate the draft legislation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is national, referencing 175 cameras installed "all over Estonia," which emphasizes the nationwide importance of this PPA tool. Specific crime examples point to the Tallinn area (Lasnamäe, PERH), but the overall emphasis is on ensuring security throughout the entire country.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
At the forefront of social issues is the balance between ensuring public safety and effective policing versus the infringement of fundamental rights. The speaker categorically rejects accusations of creating a surveillance society, stressing that cameras are vital for solving serious crimes and that other monitoring systems are already accepted in daily life.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the rapid processing and adoption of the draft law amending the Police and Border Guard Act (670 SE). The aim is to restore the operation of the number recognition system and establish the necessary legal clarity for this purpose, while remaining a strong supporter of the bill despite its initial shortcomings.
3 Speeches Analyzed