Agenda Profile: Madis Kallas
First Reading of the Draft Act (457 SE) on the Amendment of the Government of the Republic Act and Consequently Amending Other Acts (Reorganization of the Land Board into the Land and Spatial Planning Board)
2024-06-14
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, additional plenary session
Political Position
The political position involves strong support for the reorganization of the Land Board (Maa-amet) into the Land and Spatial Agency (MaRu), with the aim of reducing fragmentation and enhancing unified capacity. This support is justified by the need to better leverage spatial data and create a better living environment for everyone, both in rural and urban areas. This is a policy- and results-based approach focused on improving the quality of state services.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in spatial data management, administrative reform, and planning, emphasizing the role of new technologies and artificial intelligence in data collection. The focus is on data valorization and building comprehensive spatial planning competence at the national level. Specific terminology is utilized, including "fragmentation," "spatial data," and "enhancing the living environment."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is constructive, formal, and optimistic, emphasizing the long-term necessity of the process and thorough preparation. The appeals are primarily logical, focusing on improving system efficiency and making better decisions. The tone is appreciative and highlights teamwork.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speech is related to the first reading of the draft law, which points to active participation in the legislative process. It is mentioned that the establishment of the Land and Space Agency has been discussed for over a decade, and the process has involved extremely long and thorough stakeholder engagement.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no opposition; the criticism is aimed instead at the current fragmented system of information and services, which prevents better policy decisions from being made. The opposition was directed at fragmentation itself, not at specific political groups.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style is highly inclusive and appreciative, thanking a wide range of stakeholders, including various ministries, agencies, professional expert associations, and cities and rural municipalities. It is emphasized that this is teamwork, and the contribution of members of other political parties (Yoko Alender, Riina Solman) to moving the process forward is also mentioned positively.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is heavily centered on local municipalities, stressing the importance of providing them with robust partnership and expertise. It is noted that MaRu is required to assist 79 local governments, which frequently lack necessary field specialists (such as architects and lawyers). The objective is to enhance the living environment in both rural and urban settings.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are tied to administrative efficiency and the leveraging of data, which is expected to result in improved quality and smarter services. The reform is viewed as a means of assisting businesses in the better execution of their plans, thereby supporting economic activity through more efficient cooperation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues, emphasis is placed on improving and enhancing the quality of the living environment. This enhancement must factor in demographic shifts, public health, security, and environmental stewardship. The objective is to create a superior living environment for everyone, planned with both day-to-day needs and long-term sustainability in mind.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the Draft Act concerning the reorganization of the Land Board (457 SE), the goal of which is to establish the Land and Spatial Authority (Maa- ja Ruumiamet). The speaker is a strong supporter and driver of this administrative reform, emphasizing that the creation of MaRu is a crucial step for the state to move forward in the spatial domain.
1 Speeches Analyzed