Agenda Profile: Martin Helme

First Reading of the Draft Act Amending the Customs Act (350 SE)

2024-01-17

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the draft legislation concerning amendments to the customs law, arguing that it reduces traceability and oversight. This stance is rooted in policy and values, emphasizing the integrity in the execution of state functions and the protection of citizens' privacy and security. The speaker stresses that systems must be designed based on the assumption that misuse is possible, rather than assuming that everyone will always act honestly.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the fields of customs procedures, risk management, and administrative control. Technical terms such as "traceability," "controllability," and "risk mitigation mechanisms" are emphasized, referring to the assurance of fair system operation. Furthermore, knowledge of the requirements for safeguarding correspondence and ensuring privacy during customs inspections is highlighted.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, cautious, and logical, focusing on the necessity of ensuring systemic integrity and transparency. A historical example (the Russian era) is employed to highlight the danger of potential theft and abuse of power. The speaker defends bureaucracy when it is required to guarantee an honest and transparent system.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Limited data.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed against the initiators of the draft bill, who are being criticized for prioritizing the reduction of bureaucracy at the expense of the system’s integrity, traceability, and controllability. The criticism is policy- and procedure-based, calling into question the merits of the bill and the risks associated with it.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Little data.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national border control and customs functions relating to the movement of goods across the border, but there is no specific regional focus. The discussion is directed at controlling the movement of international mail and correspondence.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints favor state control (customs) for preventing smuggling and ensuring the integrity of the systems involved. Bureaucracy is viewed as a necessary mechanism that ensures transparency and accountability, rather than just an impediment. Verifiability and integrity are prioritized over simplification if the latter introduces the risk of abuse.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
A strong emphasis is placed on social issues, particularly ensuring the inviolability of citizens' privacy and correspondence during customs procedures. Concerns are raised regarding the security of personal belongings and the risk of theft, highlighting the necessity of ensuring that the contents of an opened package remain unchanged.

2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on challenging the draft amendment to the Customs Act (Bill 350 SE) and emphasizing the associated risks. The objective is to either maintain or strengthen the statutory control and monitoring mechanisms related to the documentation of packages opened during customs inspections.

2 Speeches Analyzed