Agenda Profile: Raimond Kaljulaid

Second reading of the draft law amending the Emergency Situations Act and other laws (662 SE)

2025-09-17

15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting.

Political Position
The political stance involves strong support for the draft law concerning civil defense, which is viewed as both life-saving and integral to national defense. It is stressed that the security threats currently facing Estonia and Europe mandate the need for swift and comprehensive changes. This position is value-based and centered on guaranteeing the safety of our citizens.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding civil defense and the regulations for establishing shelters, emphasizing the critical importance of harmonizing deadlines between residential and public buildings. He/She references arguments put forward by representatives of the Rescue Board concerning the pace at which sheltering facilities are being established. The expertise has focused specifically on the practical impact of this legislation on saving human lives.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is serious, urgent, and acknowledging, thanking the drafters of the bill and colleagues. Both logical arguments (people spend the majority of their time at home) and emotional appeals (saving human lives) are utilized. The speech is formal and focuses on justifying the necessity of the legislation.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the legislative process, participating in the Riigikogu chamber during the second reading of an important draft bill. He/She refers to their involvement in the work of the National Defence Committee and communication with field experts, such as representatives of the Rescue Board.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
No direct opposition is voiced, but the speaker addresses the legitimately raised questions regarding the speed of the bill's processing. Construction and real estate development businesses are also called upon to understand the inevitability of additional costs resulting from security threats.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasized the successful cooperation within the National Defence Committee, thanking colleagues for their support of the amendment. He identified himself as a representative of the Social Democrats, referencing the party-wide understanding concerning the economic impacts.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level (Estonia) and extends more broadly to European security threats, addressing the nationwide regulation of civil defense and the construction of shelters. Local or regional focus is not mentioned.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker acknowledges that the draft bill will have an economic impact on construction and real estate development businesses, resulting in additional work and expenses. Due to security risks, these costs are deemed unavoidable and justified, prioritizing security over short-term economic convenience.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue revolves around protecting residents and saving human lives in the event of a war threat, highlighting the necessity of establishing shelters in both residential and public buildings. The focus remains on the physical security of citizens and the preparedness of the state.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is the swift finalization of the amendments to the Emergency Situation Act (Bill 662 SE) to ensure the construction of shelters with uniform deadlines across all building types. The speaker strongly supports the draft bill and emphasizes that even saving a few months by accelerating the procedure makes a significant difference.

1 Speeches Analyzed