Agenda Profile: Madis Kallas
Third reading of the bill (457 SE) amending the Act on the Government of the Republic and amending other acts in consequence thereof (restructuring the State Real Estate Enterprise into the State Real Estate and Land Administration).
2024-11-19
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary session.
Political Position
The speaker strongly supports the creation of the Land and Space Agency (MaRu), emphasizing the need for more integrated spatial planning and better regional policy. This position is policy-based, focusing on the modernization of public administration and the better leveraging of data ( including artificial intelligence) to solve the problems of urban sprawl and the quality of the living environment. The decision is presented as a long-term, cross-coalition development that began already in 2018.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a high level of expertise in spatial design, land administration, and data valorization. Specific terminology, such as "urban sprawl," "biodiversity," and "fragmented information," is employed, emphasizing that new technologies and artificial intelligence facilitate improved decision-making processes. This expertise centers on consolidating existing capabilities and enhancing service quality through the framework of the Land Board (Maa-amet).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, factual, and forward-looking, emphasizing the necessity of change and high expectations. The discourse is logical and centers on a functional explanation of why fragmented services must be consolidated for the sake of more efficient cooperation. Instead of emotional appeals, rational arguments are employed to improve the living environment and regional policy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The address was delivered during the third reading of the legislative process, which points to active involvement in the handling of the draft legislation. Mention is made of the long duration of the process since 2018, as well as participation in consultations with various stakeholders. No other personal patterns of activity are evident.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
No direct opposition or specific critics are named; the criticism is aimed at the current fragmented system of state governance and activities that overly promote land use and spatial planning, which has led to negative consequences such as urban sprawl. The overall stance is solution-oriented rather than confrontational.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is inclusive and consensual, emphasizing that progress on establishing the Land and Space Agency has continued regardless of the ruling coalitions. The speaker actively thanks all parties—ministries, experts, and 79 local governments—demonstrating an openness to broad-based collaboration.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is very strong, underscoring the necessity of planning the living environment holistically in both urban and rural areas. The establishment of MaRu is viewed as a crucial regional policy instrument designed to prevent urban sprawl and ensure a more balanced distribution of the population. Specific attention is being paid to supporting 79 local municipalities in developing their competence in the fields of planning and construction.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives center on boosting the efficiency of the state apparatus and the skillful utilization of data to deliver higher quality services to both businesses and local municipalities. Emphasis is placed on adding value to land resources in every region of Estonia, signaling a preference for smart resource management and improving the quality of public services.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are tied to improving the quality of the living environment and overall well-being, both of which are affected by spatial planning and design. The need is mentioned to take into account health, safety, and biodiversity, as well as solving problems such as kindergarten waiting lists and the reduction of green spaces in cities.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the reorganization of state institutions, specifically transforming the existing Land Board (Maa-amet) into the Land and Spatial Planning Board (Maa- ja Ruumiamet), abbreviated as MaRu. The speaker is a strong supporter and advocate for this draft bill (457 SE), emphasizing that this constitutes the unification of existing resources, not the creation of a new agency. The objective is to establish a more integrated legal and administrative tool for guiding spatial creation processes.
1 Speeches Analyzed