Session Profile: Rene Kokk
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-02-26
Political Position
The political focus is on regulating the population of large predators (wolves, bears) to protect property in rural areas and ensure the public's sense of security. The speaker strongly supports Bill 567, which would grant licensed hunters the right to cull nuisance animals, arguing that the current system is ineffective. Criticism is aimed at the Environmental Board’s failure to resolve the situation, meaning this is primarily a results-driven political framework.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in hunting and the regulation of large predator populations, using specific terminology such as "problem animal," "hunting certificate," and "hunting permit." He/She cites specific data regarding the optimal number of wolf packs (25) and the estimated actual number (39–40). This expertise is further supported by a reference to personal experience as Minister of the Environment during 2019–2020.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is concerned and direct, emphasizing the need for swift action because the damages are extensive and the public's sense of security has taken a serious blow. Both logical arguments (population figures, the precise wording of the legislative amendment) and emotional examples (the mauling of dogs and sheep right on private property) are employed. The speaker also uses colloquial expressions, such as "a disservice" (karuteene) and "taking things too far" (vint üle keeratakse), to warn against excessive regulation.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity is restricted to introducing and defending Draft Bill 567 during the Riigikogu plenary session, actively answering questions regarding the substance of the law and the population numbers of large carnivores. Previously, the speaker addressed the same set of issues as the Minister of the Environment from 2019 to 2020.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Criticism is aimed at the Environmental Board, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Climate, and which is deemed incapable of regulating the population and issuing a sufficient number of hunting permits. Opponents of the draft bill are also criticized for failing to understand the problems facing rural life and the scale of the damage. The speaker warns that a lack of regulation could lead to vigilantism, resulting in hunters shooting animals without the necessary licenses.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is open to proposals throughout the legislative process of the bill, noting that the precise regulatory framework will be developed. He stresses the necessity of finding an optimal solution and trusts the legal compliance of individuals who possess a hunting license. Direct cooperation with other political forces was not mentioned, although reference was made to the Isamaa bill, the content of which has not yet been compared.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is clearly on rural areas and the entrepreneurs operating there (sheep farmers, beekeepers) whose assets are threatened. Emphasis is placed on Estonia's unique characteristics and the need to find a local, optimal solution that takes into account the border with Russia and the animal populations moving across it, rather than copying the practices of EU countries with rare wolf populations.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives focus on protecting rural businesses (agriculture, beekeeping) from the economic damage caused by large predators. Support is given to regulation that allows entrepreneurs to protect their property, although the draft bill itself does not address compensation for damages. The goal is to ensure that it is possible to engage in business confidently in Estonia.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social concern is the sense of security and vulnerability felt by rural residents, which has been severely undermined by predators encroaching on private property and killing pets. The purpose of this draft legislation is to restore the public’s sense of justice and ensure safety by directly protecting the lives and health of individuals.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is the amendment of the Hunting Act (Draft Bill 567). This amendment aims to grant individuals holding a hunting license the right to cull problem animals—those that damage property or endanger life—without needing a separate hunting permit. The speaker initiated this draft bill and is a strong proponent of it. He also drew attention to the damage cormorants are causing to the fishing industry as another significant issue requiring regulatory action.
17 Speeches Analyzed