Session Profile: Andre Hanimägi
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-08
Political Position
The political position expresses strong support for the number recognition system bill, emphasizing its necessity as a tool for the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) in solving serious crimes. This stance is clearly outcome-oriented, focusing on ensuring the operational capacity of the police and enhancing public security. The speaker criticizes the fear-mongering employed by opponents and asserts that the bill is necessary so that the police are not "blind" during the summer.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the technical details (number of cameras, data storage) and legal regulation of the license plate recognition system. He/She relies on the positions of PPA (Police and Border Guard Board) specialists, the Office of the Chancellor of Justice, and the Data Protection Inspectorate, confirming the compromise solution proposed in the draft legislation. He/She lists specific crimes (kidnapping, rape, and thefts) that have been solved thanks to the system.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is initially surprised and defensive, quickly shifting to being direct and argumentative, using strong contrasts (e.g., the Centre Party versus the PPA). The speaker employs both logical appeal and direct criticism regarding the opponents’ procedural inaction. He acknowledges the government’s “bungling” in drafting the legislation but maintains focus on a swift solution.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the plenary session of the Riigikogu during the third reading of the bill, and highlights their continuous involvement in the work of the Legal Affairs Committee. They also mention a previous role as a district elder, which demonstrates experience in tackling issues at the local level.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Severe criticism has been leveled at the Centre Party and Isamaa, who are accused of spreading fear-mongering and disregarding the necessity of the PPA (Police and Border Guard Board) tool. Isamaa representative Urmas Reinsalu is criticized for procedural passivity, as arguments were only presented during the third reading. The speaker calls the opponents' credibility into question, favoring the opinion of PPA specialists.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker identifies as a Social Democrat and emphasizes successful cooperation with stakeholders (including the Chancellor of Justice and the Data Protection Inspectorate) in the Legal Affairs Committee in order to achieve a compromise. He/She demonstrates a pragmatic approach by supporting the bill initiated by four members of the Riigikogu, despite the fact that the government's original draft legislation was rejected.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily at the national level (Police and Border Guard Board tools and legislation), but previous experience as a Head of the District is mentioned. This points to a background involving local security and camera installation issues, which is linked to ensuring public order within the community.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient information
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Focusing on social issues, the speaker addresses public security and the fight against crime, stressing the role of the number recognition system in solving serious offenses. At the same time, there is a strong emphasis on the need to regulate the system's use to prevent data misuse and Orwellian surveillance, aiming to strike a balance between security and civil liberties.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is supporting the bill concerning the number recognition system during its third reading, thereby ensuring the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) has the necessary tools. The speaker stresses that legislation must keep pace with technological advancements, and criticizes the government for errors in drafting bills, referencing the earlier domestic violence bill as an example.
2 Speeches Analyzed