Agenda Profile: Rene Kokk
Draft law amending the Hunting Act (567 SE) – First Reading
2025-02-26
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is on regulating the population of large carnivores (wolves, bears) in order to protect the property and safety of residents in rural areas. This stance strongly supports Draft Law 567 SE, which would grant individuals holding a hunting license the right to cull problem animals. The position is primarily policy- and results-based, criticizing the Environmental Board’s ineffective management of the population.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a strong command of expertise in hunting and the regulation of large predator populations, citing specific data points (e.g., the optimal 25 wolf breeding groups versus the estimated 39–40). They are familiar with regulatory nuances (the distinction between a hunting certificate and a hunting license) and reference their personal experience serving as the Minister of the Environment from 2019 to 2020. Furthermore, they are aware of related problems, such as the damage cormorants inflict on fisheries and bears destroying beehives.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is practical, insistent, and emphasizes the concerns of rural residents, utilizing both emotional appeals and logical arguments. The speaker vividly describes the losses (e.g., slaughtered sheep, dogs stolen from their chains) to underscore the community's vanishing sense of security. Popular expressions are also used (e.g., "a disservice"), and clear legal explanations are provided regarding the content of the legislative amendment.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speech was delivered during the first reading of the bill. The speaker references personal meetings and inspecting damage suffered by affected individuals, which points to active engagement with rural entrepreneurs.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Criticism is aimed at the Environmental Board, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Climate, and is considered ineffective in controlling large predator populations. Opponents of the draft bill are also criticized, specifically those who "don't seem to grasp exactly what the issue is." The speaker warns that excessive regulation and restrictions on hunting will lead to vigilantism among hunters.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
In terms of cooperation, we are showing openness to proposals submitted during the procedure, especially regarding the regulation of damages caused by other wildlife (e.g., deer). The speaker mentions the Isamaa draft bill but admits they have not yet compared its content.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on the residents and entrepreneurs in rural areas (sheep farmers, beekeepers) who suffer economic damage from large predators. The Estonian border with Russia is also mentioned as a factor influencing animal population dynamics, stressing that Estonia does not need to be the country that raises all of Europe's bears.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspective focuses on the protection of businesses and property in rural areas, emphasizing that economic damage caused by large predators (such as the killing of sheep) is not compensated. The goal is to ensure that people can confidently engage in entrepreneurship in Estonia and that the resulting losses are not unacceptable.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social focus is on ensuring the community's sense of security, which has been undermined by large predator attacks in residential yards (e.g., the killing of dogs). There is an emphasis on preventing direct threats to the life and health of individuals and their loved ones, as well as the right to protect one's property.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is the initiation and support of the draft Act amending the Hunting Act (567 SE). The objective is to introduce a provision into the Act that permits a person holding a hunting license to kill a nuisance animal that is damaging property or directly endangering life and health, without the requirement of a separate hunting permit.
17 Speeches Analyzed