Agenda Profile: Raimond Kaljulaid
Inquiry regarding the government's plans to increase immigration (no. 791)
2025-09-08
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is deeply skeptical of plans to increase immigration based on arguments citing labor market and workforce shortages. The speaker stresses the necessity of avoiding the experience of the Nordic countries, particularly Sweden, where economic benefits resulted in significant socio-economic costs. The framework of this position is value-driven and cautious, warning against long-term negative consequences.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the past immigration policies of the Nordic countries, particularly Sweden, and their long-term consequences. They are able to connect the arguments put forth by economic sectors (the need for labor, revenue generation) with the resulting socio-economic costs borne by the states. The expertise centers on analyzing historical parallels and outcomes.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal and analytical, repeatedly employing questions to address the government during the inquiry. The tone is cautious and cautionary, emphasizing a logical appeal to historical experience and noting that the current arguments are "exactly the same" as those used previously.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in legislative oversight, participating in a formal query (interpellation) directed at the government regarding plans to increase immigration. This pattern of activity demonstrates a focus on the critical analysis and questioning of government policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed at the arguments of economic circles who emphasize the need for labor and economic benefit through immigration. The criticism is policy-driven, warning that short-term gains do not outweigh the long-term socio-economic costs, as demonstrated by the Nordic experience.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is international, centering on the experience of Nordic (Swedish) immigration policy. This international example is used as a direct lesson for Estonia’s future decisions in order to avoid similar consequences.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker acknowledges the interest of economic circles in alleviating the labor shortage and generating revenue for the state. However, they prioritize long-term socio-economic stability, warning that short-term economic benefits do not outweigh the significant costs resulting from large-scale immigration.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is immigration and its long-term impact on society. The speaker expresses strong concern that extensive immigration, driven by economic arguments, will result in a considerable socio-economic cost, citing Sweden's negative experience.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the critical scrutiny and challenging of the government’s plans to increase immigration, carried out through an official interpellation (No. 791). The speaker is acting as an opponent of the initiated policy, demanding that lessons be learned from previous international mistakes before any decisions are made.
2 Speeches Analyzed