Agenda Profile: Ando Kiviberg
The Regional Affairs and Agricultural Minister's 2024 presentation on the implementation of the state’s long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035"
2024-09-25
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is firmly opposed to the public transport reform planned by the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, which is deemed improper and potentially detrimental. The criticism targets the incorrect sequencing of the reform and the inadequacy of its objectives, stressing that passenger satisfaction must be the primary goal. This stance is clearly policy-driven and presented on behalf of Eesti 200, warning that with the current model, there is a risk of "throwing the baby out with the bathwater."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the field of organizing public transport, drawing on personal experience as the Mayor of Viljandi during the establishment of the Viljandi County Public Transport Centre. He employs technical terminology (e.g., "demand-responsive public transport," "mobile positioning study") and analyzes the system's cost-effectiveness and the functioning of regional hubs. The expert assessment stresses the necessity of analyzing consumers' actual needs, rather than focusing solely on the utilization of the existing network.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is analytical and critical, yet simultaneously expresses hope for finding solutions. Logical arguments are employed, contrasting Tallinn's poor experience with well-functioning regional systems. The speaker uses figurative language (e.g., "like Yakuts on the bank of the Lena River") and personal experience to support the arguments, all while maintaining a formal and structured tone.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is not enough data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at the planners and leaders of the reform, who are accused of attempting to implement a model based on foreign or Tallinn experience while ignoring the existing, functional regional system. The opposition is both policy-based and procedural, accusing the reformers of failing to articulate passenger satisfaction as a clear objective. The speaker expresses "burning doubt" regarding the success of the reform.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Although the speaker is critical of the reform, they express a desire for cooperation and joint problem-solving ("I really hope we manage to solve these together"). They emphasize the previous experience of successful cooperation between the state and local governments during the establishment of the Viljandimaa Public Transport Centre. Finally, hope and support are expressed ("Keep going! And we will certainly manage together.").
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strongly regional, aiming to protect the well-functioning local public transport networks outside of Tallinn and Harju County. The experience of Viljandi is highlighted separately, along with a warning that the financial burden associated with the reform will fall upon local municipalities that lack the necessary funds. The speaker contrasts the needs of the regional centers with the Tallinn-centric reform plan.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views focus on cost-effectiveness and fiscal discipline, emphasizing that the existing system was cost-efficient. The speaker warns that the reform could lead to a situation where local governments lack the necessary funds to meet new obligations (intra-municipal lines). The objective is to prevent the transfer of unfunded mandates to the local level.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the quality and accessibility of public services. The speaker strongly emphasizes that passenger satisfaction must be the main objective when organizing public transport, as this guarantees the achievement of other goals as well (growth in the number of users, accessibility). He/She demands that the actual travel needs of local residents be considered when planning the reform.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the public transport reform initiated by the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture and changing its procedural side. The priority is the demand to conduct a thorough analysis of travel needs, including a mobile positioning study, before planning solutions. The speaker is an opponent of the reform who demands changing the order of its implementation.
3 Speeches Analyzed