Session Profile: Anti Haugas
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-03-20
Political Position
The central theme is the closure of the Estonian-Russian border, where proponents of total closure (due to the war of aggression) clash with those advocating a pragmatic approach. The pragmatic stance emphasizes balancing security interests with the need for freedom of movement and information exchange for Estonian citizens. Isamaa's position on this matter has been black and white and consistent for the last three years.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speakers demonstrate expertise in the field of border management and security, citing the number (seven points) and types (railway border crossing points) of border crossing points. Knowledge of Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) procedural procedures is also evident, including committee decisions and voting requirements. Emphasis is placed on the daily preparation of impact and threat assessments.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is twofold: one speaker is analytical and cautious, posing rhetorical questions regarding the consequences of drastic decisions (total border closure). The second speaker (the commission rapporteur) is formal, neutral, and procedural, focusing on objectively conveying the commission's discussion and decisions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity is related to the committee work of the Riigikogu, including providing an overview of the Legal Affairs Committee session regarding the discussion held on March 10. The speaker (Anti Haugas) is active in the processing of draft legislation and presenting committee decisions to the plenary session, having been appointed as the representative of the lead committee.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is directed at the Isamaa party’s (Jaanus Karilaid’s) simplistic, black-and-white proposal to close the borders, which fails to take into account the situation of Estonian citizens. Opponents questioned the timing of the decision, asking why this measure wasn't implemented when Isamaa was actually in government. The criticism is primarily policy-based and procedural.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The committee demonstrated pragmatic cooperation by agreeing to have a member of the Isamaa Party, who was not a member of the committee, introduce the draft bill, thereby ensuring its timely submission to the plenary session. Decisions regarding sending the draft bill to the full assembly and appointing the representative of the lead committee were made by consensus.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong focus is placed on the border areas of Southeast Estonia and Russia’s Pskov Oblast, where thousands of citizens of the Republic of Estonia reside. Emphasis is placed on the daily border crossings of these communities and their need to access Estonian services, such as seeing a doctor.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is the well-being and freedom of movement of Estonian citizens who live in Russia and require regular border crossings. The discussion focuses on how to resolve the situation of these citizens in the event of a total border closure, balancing security concerns and citizens' rights.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is on Government Resolution Draft 562, which addresses the closure of all border crossing points along the Estonian-Russian control line. The rapporteurs are actively processing and presenting the draft within the Legal Affairs Committee, thereby directing the bill toward the plenary session for its first reading.
3 Speeches Analyzed