Agenda Profile: Anti Allas
Inquiry regarding the amendment of the Public Libraries Act (No 808)
2025-09-15
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is firmly opposed to amending the Public Libraries Act, as this would move services and jobs from the regions to Tallinn. This stance is value-based, emphasizing the need for a consistent state presence across Estonia and criticizing the ministry's current uncoordinated management. The Social Democratic Party faction cannot agree with the current amendment.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the specifics of public library services, detailing the responsibilities of county central libraries (collection management, training sessions, database administration). This expertise is bolstered by a reference to personal experience as a former local government head, which lends significant weight to questions concerning funding and the transfer of obligations. Questions are subsequently raised regarding the distribution of positions and the establishment of regional centers.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is critical and concerned, expressing personal sadness and hurt over the complete disregard for regional policy aspects. Both logical argumentation (the lack of coordinated leadership) and emotional appeals (the loss of jobs means the loss of livelihoods) are utilized. The address is formal, yet it includes direct appeals to the minister and colleagues.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in legislative oversight, utilizing the interpellation process to present both a clarifying question to the minister and a comprehensive general address. This demonstrates a deep dive into the specifics of the legislative amendment and its potential regional ramifications.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the Ministry of Culture and the minister, whose centralization plan is being rejected. The criticism is policy- and procedure-based, questioning why coordinated management has not yet taken place and why regional policy is being ignored. A compromise in the current form is ruled out, as the faction of the Social Democratic Party cannot agree to the changes.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker references those who spoke before and addresses colleagues, demonstrating engagement in the debate. While the current bill is set to be rejected, the necessity of making changes over time is acknowledged, but it is stressed that this cannot be done at the cost of dismantling a functioning system.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
There is an extremely strong focus on regional policy, contrasting the centralization of Tallinn with county centers. It is stressed that the loss of jobs in the regions drains life from the communities, and the state should be uniformly represented everywhere in Estonia. Previously, attempts have been made to move state jobs specifically out of Tallinn.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic arguments center on preserving regional employment, opposing the drive for efficiency achieved by consolidating jobs in Tallinn. Concern is expressed that these changes could quietly shift both funding and responsibilities onto local governments, raising worries about overburdening local budgets.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the accessibility and quality of public library services, which must remain geographically proximate and logically accessible to the regions. It is emphasized that the service must not deteriorate for the users due to centralization.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on opposing the draft amendment (No. 808) to the Public Libraries Act and analyzing its potential impacts. Clarity is being demanded regarding whether jobs in county centers will be centralized in Tallinn and how responsibilities will be distributed within the new center. There is a desire to seriously reconsider the issue to avoid dismantling a system that has functioned effectively.
2 Speeches Analyzed