Session Profile: Raimond Kaljulaid

The political position centers on strong support for balanced traffic management, which ensures the safety and convenience of all road users (including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists). This stance is value-based, emphasizing the social democratic principle of considering everyone and avoiding the antagonism of road users. Furthermore, previous governments are sharply criticized for the undignified treatment of individuals regarding the issue of cohabitation partnerships. The political framework is aimed at integrating policy and values, stressing the necessity of updating legislation in light of technological advancements.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of traffic law and transport management, detailing the regulation of light personal transporters, the impact of e-commerce on traffic, and ensuring cyclist safety (e.g., the 1.5-meter lateral passing distance). He/She emphasizes that legislation must keep pace with the times and highlights future trends, such as increasing vehicle autonomy in parcel delivery. The speaker also possesses knowledge of the historical legislative process surrounding the Registered Partnership Act and the controversies associated with it.

The rhetorical style is predominantly formal, analytical, and principle-driven, focusing on finding balanced solutions. The speaker employs both personal commendation (congratulating the vice-chairman for an outstanding result) and strong moral criticism directed at the previous government's actions, labeling them "shameful" and "undignified." The argumentation is logic-based, stressing that the majority of people occupy various roles within traffic.

The speaker attended the plenary session, submitting a request for an extension and delivering a substantive speech regarding amendments to the Traffic Act. They referenced the recently concluded European Parliament elections and an earlier legislative procedure (Registered Partnership), demonstrating engagement with both current affairs and historical issues.

The criticism is aimed at a specific business culture that bases its operations on violating traffic laws, particularly within the courier services sector. Sharp criticism is also leveled against the government of the time, which treated cohabiting partners unequally and disrespectfully, signaling strong value-based opposition. This opposition targets both unethical business practices and previous social policy.

The speaker emphasizes the principle of considering all stakeholders in traffic management, which signals an openness to broad-based policy formation. He addresses colleagues directly (Marko) and congratulates the Vice-Chairman (Jüri), demonstrating a readiness for personal and polite communication. This commitment to cooperation is focused on finding balanced solutions.

The focus remains primarily on the national level (the Estonian Traffic Act and how it is implemented) and the international level (with a reference to the European Parliament elections). While the discussion on traffic management does mention the role of local authorities, no specific regional projects or communities are highlighted.

Economic perspectives address the rapid growth of e-commerce and the resulting regulatory challenges, such as parking issues and traffic law violations committed by courier services. The speaker stresses the necessity of improving business culture so that commercial operations are not predicated on breaking the law, thereby supporting regulation aimed at ensuring fair and safe traffic flow.

The speaker strongly supports social equality, criticizing the previous unequal treatment of cohabiting partners compared to married spouses. Traffic policy emphasizes social inclusion and safety, paying particular attention to children and the elderly, who more frequently travel on foot or use public transport.

The primary legislative priority is the swift modernization of the Road Traffic Act. We are taking a supportive role in regulating light personal transporters, addressing issues related to courier services, and ensuring cyclist safety (specifically the 1.5-meter passing distance). Furthermore, we are focusing on examining the current status of resolving the long-standing issues surrounding the Registered Partnership Act.