Agenda Profile: Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski
Second reading of the draft law amending the Police and Border Guard Act (670 SE)
2025-09-24
Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, plenary sitting.
Political Position
The political position is strong support for the amendments to the Police and Border Guard Act that legalize the use of license plate recognition cameras. The approach is strongly value-based and results-oriented, emphasizing the state's primary obligation to ensure public safety and protection against criminals. The draft bill is supported as a balanced solution that provides the police with the necessary tools. In shaping policy, the need to bring the legislation into compliance with constitutional requirements is emphasized, thereby avoiding the current ambiguous situation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates competence regarding the legal framework governing data protection and police operations, citing prior observations made by the Chancellor of Justice and the Data Protection Inspectorate. Specific terminology, such as "license plate recognition camera," is employed, and emphasis is placed on the technical specifics of data retention (a maximum of 45 days) and the documentation of access. This expertise is substantiated with concrete examples of solved crimes (child abduction, vehicle theft, drug trafficking).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is persuasive, defensive, and urgent, combining logical arguments (clarity of the law, international practice) with powerful emotional examples (child abduction, victims of crime). The speech is formal and structured, contrasting the existing "gray area" with the new, clear regulation. It concludes with a personal appeal for support, made in the capacity of a politician, a citizen, and a parent.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is indirect, targeting those who are concerned about the restriction of human rights and mass surveillance. The speaker criticizes the viewpoint that equates accidentally appearing on camera with the suffering experienced by a victim of crime. Opponents are accused of creating the impression that rights exist only on paper, while ignoring the actual lack of security.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is both national (Estonian security and legislation) and international, citing examples from allies and partners. Specifically, Great Britain, the Netherlands, and Finland are mentioned as countries successfully utilizing similar systems. Local or regional topics are not covered.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The central social issue is the balance between security and privacy, with security being viewed as the state's primary duty. The speaker supports equipping the police with new surveillance tools (such as license plate recognition cameras), but simultaneously stresses the need for strict boundaries and transparency regarding data usage. Surveillance activities must be strictly limited to cases involving crimes, threats, and wanted individuals.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on supporting and adopting the draft legislation (Bill 670 SE) to amend the Police and Border Guard Act. The objective is to establish a clear legal framework for the use of license plate recognition cameras, thereby resolving previous constitutional concerns and ensuring the transparent use of the data. The speaker is a strong proponent and advocate for the bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed