Agenda Profile: Anti Allas
First reading of the Draft Act amending the Riigikogu Member's Status Act (339 SE)
2024-03-20
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance is strongly against Draft Law 339 SE, as it is populist and harms the reputation of the Riigikogu. It is emphasized that essential work-related expenses must remain reimbursable, but they support the elimination of specific expense categories (such as car lease reimbursement) through the Riigikogu Board. The position is primarily policy-driven, focusing on preserving the institution's operational capacity and combating populism.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise concerning the Act on the Status of Members of the Riigikogu and the rules governing expense compensation, drawing a distinction between the content of the Act and the procedure established by the Bureau. Specific terminology like "expense items" and "travel expenses" is employed, and reference is made to Section 30 of the Act. This expertise is further supported by knowledge of the progress and discussions within the committee work.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative and critical, accusing the bill's proponents of populism and hypocrisy, and calling their actions a "populist charade." Both emotional appeals (damage to reputation) and logical arguments are employed, relying on Biblical quotes and imagery ("bottomless tanks"). The tone is formal, yet sharp.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The action patterns involve active participation in committee discussions, during which the presenter was questioned about the substance of the draft bill. Furthermore, reading the newspaper is cited as a way to expose the opponents' hypocrisy. The speaker stresses the necessity of taking work-related visits and professional assignments.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary conflict is aimed squarely at the EKRE parliamentary group, who stand accused of populism and hypocrisy concerning their use of expense reimbursements. The criticism is intense, specifically naming faction members (Martin Helme, Rain Epler) as the biggest spenders and subjects of ongoing investigation. The motives of their opponents are deemed dishonest and purely aimed at character assassination.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker expresses agreement with the ideas of the previous speaker, Hendrik Johannes Terras, and demonstrates openness to a reasonable compromise. A shared conviction was held within the commission that the expense of reimbursing car leasing could be eliminated, which indicates a readiness for targeted cooperation in the review of expenditure items.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus, emphasizing the need to support rural areas and ensure regional political fairness. Specifically, the text cites the examples of deputies from Võru and Hiiumaa, whose direct travel costs must be covered so that they do not end up paying significantly more than deputies residing in Tallinn. Support is also provided for reimbursing students' travel costs from their home regions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives center on efficiency and sensible spending, while simultaneously backing the reimbursement of necessary work-related expenses. There is support for reviewing the cost structure to eliminate questionable expense items, such as car lease reimbursement, but caution is advised against excessive limitations that would impede the fulfillment of professional obligations.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the draft bill (339 SE) to amend the Status of Member of the Riigikogu Act. The speaker is an opponent, stressing that instead of repealing the law, the procedure for reimbursing expenses established by the Riigikogu Board should be amended. The priority is to ensure the reimbursement of necessary expenses incurred for the fulfillment of the duties of Riigikogu members.
2 Speeches Analyzed