Session Profile: Madis Kallas
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary session.
2024-11-19
Political Position
The political focus is on the creation of the Land and Spatial Agency (MaRu), which is strongly supported as a necessary step towards better spatial policy and data valorization. The stance is policy- and results-based, emphasizing the need to curb urban sprawl and improve the living environment in both urban and rural areas. The speaker emphasizes that the state must offer more holistic spatial planning and smarter services to account for health, safety, and environmental protection.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in spatial design, land management, and regional policy, highlighting the proficient use of data (including information gathered via artificial intelligence). They possess a strong understanding of administrative structures, noting the fragmentation of existing resources and the differing capacities of local governments within the planning field. Specific terms such as "urban sprawl," "land resource value enhancement," and "spatial data" are employed.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal and constructive, employing logical arguments and referencing a historical political consensus that dates back to 2018. The tone is moderately optimistic, yet it stresses the necessity of change and the significant weight of expectations in the current situation. The appeal is directed both at colleagues and the wider public ("Good people who are listening to and watching us").
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Insufficient Data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is directed at the current fragmented model of state governance and the processes that have fostered negative trends (e.g., traffic jams, kindergarten queues, urban sprawl). Specific political opponents or groups are not criticized; rather, the emphasis is placed on the need for a stronger state apparatus. Fragmented information and services also result in a fragmented vision for the future, which must be changed.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes cooperation and political continuity, noting that work on establishing MaRu has moved forward consistently since 2018, regardless of which governing coalitions were in power. He/She actively thanked all stakeholders, including ministries, agencies, specialized experts, and all Estonian cities and municipalities for their contributions. This demonstrates an openness to broad-based collaboration and a commitment to seeking consensus.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is very strong, emphasizing MaRu's role as a regional policy instrument. The objective is to support 79 local municipalities, which possess varying levels of capacity in the planning sector, and to maximize the value of land resources in every region of Estonia. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of making smart decisions to prevent urban sprawl and ensure a more balanced distribution of the Estonian population across the entire territory.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic considerations focus on administrative efficiency and the better leveraging of data, which should benefit both local governments and businesses that currently have to approach various institutions. Support is provided for the creation of smarter services and the pooling of expertise to ensure better quality and more efficient cooperation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are linked to spatial design and the quality of the living environment, emphasizing the need to consider people's well-being, reduce kindergarten waiting lists, and ensure that aspects of health, safety, and biodiversity are addressed during planning. The objective is to create a better living environment throughout Estonia, in both urban and rural areas.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the establishment of the Land and Space Agency (MaRu), which constitutes an administrative reform achieved by merging existing capabilities and building upon the foundation of the current Land Board. The speaker is a staunch supporter of this decision and the driving force behind the initiative, viewing it as a crucial step for the state to advance in this process.
1 Speeches Analyzed