Session Profile: Andre Hanimägi
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting.
2025-05-12
Political Position
The political focus centers on amendments to the gun law and internal security. The speaker moderately supports cutting red tape for legal gun owners but is strongly opposed to increasing the number of firearms in society, arguing that this leads to a greater risk of accidents, suicides, and crime. This position is value-based, emphasizing the priority of security and seeking clarification on the government's actual policy through an official inquiry.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of firearms legislation and internal security, citing specific statistical data (96% of applicants receive a license, 4% do not). They are familiar with the three reasons for applying for a firearms license (hunting, sport, and the protection of self and property) and use international examples (Finland, USA) and studies to support the argument that a higher number of weapons increases risks. They are also knowledgeable about the legislative intent (or "drafting intention") and the issues surrounding air guns and dummy weapons/replicas.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, analytical, and cautious, relying on logical arguments and statistics. The speaker repeatedly poses probing questions to the minister to ascertain the government's true objective (bureaucracy versus the increase in arms). He/She references foreign practices and studies to underscore the gravity of his/her position and the potential risks involved.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the plenary sitting of the Riigikogu, submitting an interpellation to the Minister of the Interior regarding amendments to the Weapons Act. He/She refers to earlier discussions (shooting ranges) and mentions consulting with stakeholders, such as hunters and members of the Defence League.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is with the Minister of the Interior and his party colleagues (e.g., Tarmo Tamm), whose positions on increasing the number of weapons are criticized as dangerous. The speaker refutes claims that the Social Democratic Party previously sought to bureaucratically harass gun owners. The criticism is directed at the safety aspects of the policy and the lack of transparency regarding the government’s objectives.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker urges open and constructive cooperation during the discussion of the Arms Act, particularly regarding the reduction of bureaucracy. He confirms readiness to discuss the rules with hunters and members of the Defense League, provided it concerns improving the conditions for existing gun owners.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on domestic security and international comparisons (Finland, the United States). While an article from Pärnu Postimees regarding air weapons is mentioned, there is no regional emphasis.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social topic is gun regulation and public safety. The speaker emphasizes that an increase in the number of firearms results in a greater risk of suicides, accidents, and gun-related crime, thereby supporting regulation that ensures a low crime rate.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the proposed plan to amend the Weapons Act, which aims to reduce bureaucracy and strengthen security. The speaker is skeptical of the initiative, particularly the section concerning the increase in the number of weapons, but supports the goal of reducing bureaucracy.
4 Speeches Analyzed