Agenda Profile: Signe Kivi
First Reading of the Draft Resolution (410 OE) of the Riigikogu titled "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Find a Solution for the Construction of an Extension to the National Opera Estonia"
2024-05-07
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly supportive of the draft bill concerning the extension of the National Opera Estonia, stressing the necessity of resolving the theater’s production issues. This stance is pragmatic, given that the state lacks the resources to establish a new opera house, and value-based, emphasizing the preservation of high culture in the center of Tallinn. The speaker emphasizes that it is the duty of the Riigikogu (Parliament) to make the political decisions necessary to enable the development of this cultural institution.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound knowledge of the history and development plans of the Estonian National Opera, referencing specific architects (Lindgren, Kotli) and earlier architectural competitions held in 1972 and 1984. Their professional expertise centers on the planning of cultural facilities, emphasizing the technical requirements of productions (a larger stage, acoustics) and the feasibility of addressing restrictions related to heritage and nature conservation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal and persuasive, utilizing extensive historical quotes (Hugo Peets, Rudolf Tobias) and parallels (e.g., the 1938 elections versus recent events in Tallinn) to establish legitimacy. The speech balances logical arguments (financial capability, technical requirements) and emotional arguments (the soul of the national opera). It concludes with an invoking and patriotic tone ("Long live Estonia! Long live Estonia!").
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the legislative process, presenting a draft bill on behalf of the Culture Committee and being involved in the activities of the Estonia Support Group. Participation in the work of the previous Riigikogu Culture Committee is mentioned, which added the annex to the list of objects of national importance.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Direct confrontation is absent, but the opposition concerning heritage and nature conservation restrictions within the bastion belt is addressed. This opposition is presented primarily as problems requiring resolution, necessitating the finding of compromises, with reference made to earlier successful examples (Vabaduse väljak, Kaarli puiestee 8).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative approach is notably cross-factional, mentioning that the initiators of the draft legislation are members of the Estonia support group "from all Riigikogu factions." A call is made for a broad-based "cultural discussion," involving representatives of the state, the City of Tallinn, the Estonian National Opera, and various fields of art.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on Tallinn and the national cultural landmark (the Estonian National Opera), emphasizing the need to preserve high culture right in the heart of Tallinn. The discussion also covers the bastional belt surrounding Tallinn's Old Town and the UNESCO restrictions, providing examples from previous construction projects in the city center.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints center on cultural investment and fiscal realism, acknowledging that the Estonian state lacks the financial capacity both to construct and permanently sustain a new opera house. This justifies prioritizing an extension over new construction, the latter being included on the list of nationally important objects.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social concern revolves around developing and supporting high culture (opera and ballet) in Estonia, specifically to guarantee domestic performance opportunities for trained soloists and artists. It is stressed that failure to do so will result in artists having to seek work in foreign theaters.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the adoption of the Riigikogu draft resolution (410 OE), which proposes that the government find a solution for constructing the extension of the Estonian National Opera. The speaker is the proponent and a strong supporter of the draft, emphasizing that this is a political decision that must clear the path for professionals to do their work.
3 Speeches Analyzed