Session Profile: Raimond Kaljulaid
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-02-12
Political Position
The political focus is on enhancing public safety and clarifying the rights of local governments when addressing dangerous dogs. The speaker strongly and urgently supports the adoption of the bill, stressing that this is a policy-driven solution based on feedback from municipalities and experts. They emphasize the necessity of resolving the issue immediately, rather than waiting for more comprehensive legislative amendments.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrated expertise regarding statistics and legal loopholes concerning dangerous dogs, referencing data from the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) (600 annual call-outs) and the animal ambulance service. They emphasized the extensive preparatory work undertaken, which involved consultations with all local municipalities, the police, hospitals, and the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture. The bill's development was supported by expert assistance and the prior proposals of the Chancellor of Justice.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is explanatory, factual, and emphasizes the seriousness of the problem and the urgency of the solution, referencing repeated incidents and community fear. The speaker utilizes extensive statistical data and logical arguments to justify the necessity of the bill and answer detailed questions. The tone is generally constructive and seeks cross-party support.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's pattern of activity indicates intensive preparatory work and consultations, having contacted all Estonian local governments, the police, and hospitals during the drafting process of the bill. He/She is the initiator of the bill and actively presents it to the Riigikogu plenary session. Information regarding the frequency of regular public appearances outside of parliamentary work is unavailable.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at those who oppose the rapid processing of the draft bill, suggesting they wait for a more comprehensive local government organization bill. The speaker rejects this stance, stressing that a solution is needed immediately because existing legal mechanisms are insufficient for proactive intervention. He/She also addresses claims that current law is not being applied effectively enough, arguing that greater specificity is required in the legislation.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is highly collaborative, having initiated the draft bill alongside Tiit Maran and working closely with officials from the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture. He/She stresses the necessity of securing cross-party support and notes that the Social Democratic faction backs the initiative. Furthermore, the speaker remains open to negotiations and proposals (for instance, concerning the rate of the penalty payment) throughout the legislative process.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is nationwide because the draft legislation affects all local governments and resolves an issue present in both rural and urban areas. Specific examples (Lagedi, Narva, Narva-Jõesuu, Põhja-Tallinn/Kalamaja) confirm the extent of the problem and the necessity for uniform rights at the local government (KOV) level.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic considerations highlight that the draft legislation will help local authorities conserve limited resources, enabling faster and more efficient problem resolution. The imposition of a coercive fine (up to 6,400 euros) is intended purely as a deterrent measure, and the speaker confirms that this is not a fiscal policy bill designed to fill the budget.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social concern is community safety and the public's fear of dangerous dogs, particularly regarding the protection of children and passersby. The speaker also stressed the importance of responsible pet ownership culture, noting that an aggressive dog is often an abused animal. The purpose of the draft bill is to make life safer for local communities.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is granting local governments the right to exercise state supervision over compliance with pet ownership regulations. The draft bill clearly establishes the municipality's right to impose a penalty payment (up to 6,400 euros) and apply the provisions of the Law Enforcement Act (e.g., entry into property, taking movable property into custody) to avert an immediate danger. The draft bill precludes granting municipalities the right to apply direct coercion.
13 Speeches Analyzed