Agenda Profile: Andre Hanimägi
Second reading of the draft law amending the Police and Border Guard Act (670 SE)
2025-09-24
Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, plenary sitting.
Political Position
The speaker strongly supports the Draft Police and Border Guard Act (670 SE), emphasizing the necessity of the license plate recognition system for the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) in ensuring security. The political position is results- and values-driven, arguing that the system's benefit in solving serious crimes outweighs the minimal restriction on personal liberties. He/She stresses that a compromise has been reached and the draft bill has received institutional approval. The Social Democrats support this stance, agreeing that the infringement is not excessive.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the technical and legal limitations of the license plate recognition system, explaining that the draft bill does not include AI or facial recognition. He relies on the positions of institutions (the Chancellor of Justice, the Data Protection Inspectorate, the Ministry of Justice), confirming that a compromise has been reached. He describes in detail the data processing (non-personalized image, deletion after a few months) and the system's irreplaceable role in solving serious crimes.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is rational and persuasive, while simultaneously stressing the urgency of the PPA's needs, calling the system an "absolutely essential instrument." The speaker employs logical arguments (institutional approval, the balance of necessity) and emotional appeals (referencing kidnappings and major robberies). He dismisses the opponents' rhetoric of a "surveillance society" as inadequate, urging the audience toward rational thought.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the legislative process, addressing the Riigikogu Hall during the second reading of the draft bill. He/She refers to his/her participation in the committee's work and emphasizes the police's annual obligation to report on the operation of the license plate recognition system. The speech is part of the ongoing political debate concerning security and freedoms.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at political parties who argue that the license plate recognition system excessively infringes upon personal liberties and that the benefits do not outweigh the drawbacks. The speaker deems the opponents' stance irrational and inadequate, particularly when considering the "surveillance society" rhetoric. He contrasts his viewpoint with those who seek to tie the hands of the police.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasized the successful cooperation and the achievement of a compromise with institutions such as the Chancellor of Justice and the Data Protection Inspectorate, which ultimately led to the draft bill being supported. He positions the Social Democrats as a supportive party who do not view the restriction (or infringement) as overly significant. He further stressed that an excellent compromise was reached within the committee.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is purely national, centering on the operational tools of the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) and the security of Estonian society more broadly. Specific regional or local topics are not addressed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient information
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social question is the balance between security and personal freedoms. The speaker favors security, considering the infringement caused by the license plate recognition system minimal. He emphasizes that the system is necessary for solving serious crimes (e.g., kidnappings), while simultaneously ensuring that personal freedoms and the constitution remain guaranteed. He rejects claims regarding the creation of a surveillance society.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the draft Act amending the Police and Border Guard Act (670 SE), which aims to regulate the use of the license plate recognition system. The speaker is a strong proponent of the bill, stressing that it resolves previous points of concern and provides the police with a necessary tool. He/She highlights a new requirement: that the police must provide an annual overview of the license plate recognition system's operations.
2 Speeches Analyzed