Agenda Profile: Anti Haugas

Overview of the Implementation of the Fundamentals of Criminal Policy until 2030

2024-12-16

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session

Political Position
The political position strongly supports the current criminal policy strategy until 2030, emphasizing achievements (the rapid decline in violent crime across the EU). The main focuses are on prevention, expanding alternatives to sentencing, and reducing recidivism caused by addiction problems. This position is rather results- and policy-based, confirming the commitment of the Reform Party faction to people-centered solutions. The goal is to ensure that 70% of people feel safe on their home street.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in criminal justice policy and social statistics, citing specific data points (e.g., a 41% recidivism rate among those released from prison, and only 1% of the population views crime as the main problem). Emphasis is placed on the role of addictive behaviors and mental health disorders in repeat offending, highlighting the need for integrated systems. Specific terminology, such as "sentencing alternatives" and "recidivism," is employed.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal and analytical, balancing optimism (success achieved) with the pressing need to tackle new issues (juvenile drug crimes). The speaker relies heavily on statistics and logical arguments, employing political and technical vocabulary. The overall tone is solution-oriented and constructive.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Data regarding the frequency of appearances, meetings, or travel is unavailable because only a single speech was delivered in the Riigikogu. This speech was timed to coincide with the presentation of an overview concerning the implementation of the fundamental principles of criminal policy.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
No criticism or attacks are leveled against other political forces. The focus remains exclusively on policy implementation and solving identified systemic problems.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative approach is aimed at cross-system integration, emphasizing the need to unite the resources of the health, social, and legal systems. The necessity of involving families and communities in prevention work is mentioned in order to offer integrated support to dependent individuals and their loved ones.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level (Estonian criminal policy) and on international comparison (the lowest perception of crime problems in the European Union). Specific regional projects or local communities are left unmentioned, with the exception of a general reference to "the home street."

1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
No direct positions on taxes, expenditures, or trade are presented. Economic considerations are evident in the channeling of resources toward prevention work and skills development, aimed at reducing the social and economic cost of repeat offenses. It is noted that crime is not a problem impeding the nation's economy.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social problems are central to the discussion, particularly drug offenses committed by minors, addictive behavior, and mental health disorders, which are cited as the primary causes of repeat offending. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of ensuring the security of every Estonian person and providing integrated social and health support to reduce the incarceration rate of individuals struggling with addiction.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on implementing and expanding the fundamentals of the 2030 Criminal Policy, with the goal of reducing crime stemming from addiction issues. The priority is offering alternatives to incarceration and treatment programs, and increasing resources for youth prevention work. Achievements highlighted include the decrease in the number of serious violent crimes and the positive results of vocational skills development programs.

1 Speeches Analyzed