Session Profile: Madis Kallas
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary session
2024-09-25
Political Position
The political focus is heavily aimed at reducing regional inequality and decentralizing government jobs away from Tallinn. Another crucial topic is data security and personal data protection, supporting legislative amendments that restrict bulk inquiries into the Land Register. Regarding regional policy, the stance is one of concern, pointing to the Harju County-centric decision-making process that other regions can only dream of.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Expertise in regional policy and administrative organization is demonstrated, with the speaker referencing their previous experience as a regional minister. The second speech reveals a deep understanding of the work of the Legal Affairs Committee, data security regulations, and statistics concerning the use of the Land Register. Specific data on the number of queries is provided (for instance, over two million queries made using personal identification codes in 2023).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style differs between the two speeches: in the first, it is direct, questioning, and concerned, emphasizing regional inequality. In the second speech, the style is neutral, formal, and highly procedural, focusing on communicating the details of the commission's discussion and the consensus decisions reached. Both personal experience (as a former minister) and a detailed, fact-based presentation are utilized.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Action patterns include both the presentation of specific political questions directed at ministers and active participation in the committee's work. The politician has been appointed as the representative of the lead committee at the plenary session, which indicates an active role in presenting the legislation. The second speech is a detailed overview of the committee session held on September 16th.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct opposition or criticism aimed at specific political opponents. The indirect criticism is directed at the centralized decision-making process, specifically where residents of Harju County make decisions about issues that other regions do not experience. The second address is purely procedural and contains no confrontation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is consensual and inclusive, evidenced by the detailed reporting of the Legal Committee's discussion, which included members from various factions. The committee's decisions regarding the further handling of the draft legislation were adopted unanimously. An active dialogue is taking place with the minister and the ministry's advisor.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus, emphasizing the necessity of relocating state jobs out of Tallinn and Harju County and into more distant regions. The objective is to mitigate regional inequality and stimulate the economy in areas that lack the housing and labor market characteristic of Harju County.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are tied to stimulating the regional economy through the relocation of government jobs. In the context of data security, security is valued much more highly—at a significantly greater cost—than the service fee obtained when charging for queries.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among social issues, the protection and security of personal data are paramount, emphasizing the need to protect citizens against data misuse and the infringement of privacy. Support is given to a legislative amendment that technically eliminates the possibility of making bulk inquiries.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is currently on handling the draft bill that regulates access to land register data, with the commission acting in the role of the representative of the leading committee. The objective is to restrict inquiries based on personal identification codes or names, while maintaining specific exceptions for journalists and organizations with statutory duties. At the policy level, emphasis is placed on the continuation of the field work model for civil servants.
2 Speeches Analyzed