Agenda Profile: Signe Kivi
First reading of the Draft Resolution (365 OE) of the Riigikogu concerning the resolution titled "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Eliminate the Russian-Language Versions of the Websites of Ministries and Other Government Agencies."
2024-04-10
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
Both speakers focus on the issue of language policy and the duplication of information by state institutions, as addressed in Draft Law 365 OE. The first speaker supports the draft law's objective but criticizes its rigidity, proposing a more flexible solution involving selective translation. Signe Kivi (S2) stresses the need for a clearer definition of what essential information must be translated, pointing to the current excessive duplication. The political framework is both value-based (concerning the status of the Estonian language) and policy-based (regulating the extent of translation).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Signe Kivi demonstrates strong procedural and thematic expertise, presenting a detailed overview of the discussion held by the Cultural Affairs Committee, including references to integration monitoring data and the positions of the Language Inspectorate. She quotes provisions of the Language Act and the Constitution, emphasizing the legal aspects. Kivi uses specific terminology, such as "integration monitoring" and "correlation," and presents statistical data regarding language proficiency and integration groups.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is predominantly formal and informative, especially concerning Signe Kivi, who presents a detailed and neutral commission report. Kivi uses numerous references and cites both colleagues and experts, focusing on a logical and fact-based appeal. The first speaker employs an inquisitive and constructive tone, seeking a more flexible legislative solution that would serve the common ultimate goal.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Signe Kivi's operational pattern includes presenting a report to the Riigikogu as the representative of the leading committee. This report is based on the minutes of the Culture Committee session held on April 2nd. Her role is procedural, and she is responsible for communicating the results of the committee's work to the plenary assembly. The first speaker actively participates in the plenary debate by submitting clarifying questions to the rapporteur.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct confrontation, but the first speaker criticizes the rigid phrasing of the draft bill, which calls for the complete elimination of Russian-language versions. Signe Kivi indirectly points to the necessity of changing the current practice of information duplication by state agencies, which she considers excessive. The criticism is aimed at the policy and procedure, not at individuals.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Signe Kivi demonstrates a willingness to cooperate by presenting a balanced overview of the various viewpoints within the committee and noting that procedural decisions were reached by consensus. The first speaker is seeking compromise, stressing that the ultimate goal of the draft legislation is clear to everyone, which signals a readiness to find a common, more flexible solution.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Signe Kivi quotes colleagues who emphasize that ending translation would save state resources, thereby signaling support for fiscal discipline. Kivi herself notes that the current duplication of information is excessive, which indirectly supports resource saving.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is language policy and societal integration, for which Signe Kivi provides detailed data (Integration Monitoring 2023). She highlights the increased need for Russian-language information in connection with Ukrainian refugees and discusses the correlation between language skills and Estonian identity. Kivi stresses the necessity of guaranteeing the constitutional right to access information intended for the public.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is Draft Resolution 365 OE of the Riigikogu, which concerns the abolition of Russian-language websites maintained by ministries. Signe Kivi’s role is procedural, as she acts as the representative of the lead committee during the first reading and confirms procedural decisions, including setting the time for the final vote. The first speaker is concentrating on making the draft resolution more flexible in order to avoid a rigid obligation for abolition.
2 Speeches Analyzed