Agenda Profile: Liina Kersna

The political focus centers on the procedural correctness and specialized expertise required for the appointment of members to the Council of the Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR). The speaker strongly endorses the Culture Committee’s selection of Paavo Nõgene and Raul Rebane for the council, highlighting their extensive, long-term experience. Furthermore, the speaker takes a firm stance on the lack of gender balance within the ERR council, urging parliamentary factions to resolve this problem. This viewpoint is fundamentally policy- and value-driven, underscoring both compliance with the law and the critical need for diversity.

The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of the Public Broadcasting Act and the working procedures of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament), particularly concerning the mandates and eligibility requirements for council members. He/She is able to explain the selection process in detail (competition, 13 candidates, secret ballot) and justify the strengths of the chosen experts, citing Rebane’s communication experience and Nõgene’s large enterprise management skills.

The style is formal and procedural, focusing on the introduction of the draft bill and the clarification of the law's provisions, which is typical for a committee rapporteur. The speaker employs logical arguments, referencing legislation and the committee's voting results. Although the tone is generally neutral, it becomes slightly self-critical and exhortative when addressing the topic of gender balance.

The speaker is active in legislative work, presenting the draft resolution of the Riigikogu on behalf of the Cultural Affairs Committee during the first reading. They actively participate in the debate, repeatedly answering questions regarding the selection procedure and gender representation, demonstrating a willingness to provide clarification.

Direct opposition is not criticized, but the speaker must defend the commission's selection against questions concerning gender balance and the suitability of the candidates. The speaker rejects the conclusion that the current composition makes poor decisions, but agrees with the premise that a more balanced composition would make better decisions.

The speaker is representing the consensus decision of the Culture Committee, which was reached through a secret ballot, demonstrating cooperation at the committee level. He/She calls upon all Riigikogu factions to take joint action to improve gender balance on the ERR Council, emphasizing that this is the shared responsibility of all factions.

The focus is entirely domestic, addressing the composition of the governing body and the legislation of the Estonian Public Broadcasting.

Direct economic standpoints are absent. Extensive corporate management experience is valued (in the case of Paavo Nõgene), which the speaker believes is substantially beneficial for managing the national public broadcaster.

The speaker highlights the issue of gender balance, expressing concern over the "very masculine" composition of the ERR council. They call on the factions to consider increasing female representation, believing that more balanced governing bodies make better decisions.

The legislative priority is the adoption of Riigikogu Draft Resolution 643 OE, which appoints new experts to the ERR Council. The speaker, who is the submitter of the draft resolution, emphasizes the need to adhere to the requirements stipulated in the Public Broadcasting Act, particularly concerning the avoidance of conflicts of interest.