Agenda Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Inquiry regarding a network of number plate recognition cameras and the associated database (no. 756)
2025-06-09
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The most crucial issues are the protection of fundamental human rights, the privacy of personal data, and the legal basis for mass surveillance. The stance is strongly critical of the government's approach and stresses that the process must not be rushed or lack significant transparency; it calls for the system to be halted until legal clarity is established. It contrasts the situation with constitutional values and remains skeptical about the draft legislation's competence and the extent of the surveillance, aiming to promote clear, limited, and controlled solutions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Addresses in depth the topics of data protection and fundamental rights, referencing the Chancellor of Justice, the Data Protection Inspectorate, and rulings of the European Court of Justice. It notes that there is no clear legal basis for the use of cameras and highlights the necessity of control, threat assessment, and restricting access for officials. It also presents specific requirements: legal basis, data to be collected, destruction, public access/transparency, and independent supervision.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is formal and analytical, and its persuasiveness relies on facts and legal references. It utilizes questions and conceptually sharp moments (e.g., “how to solve this?”), while emphasizing government transparency and the defense of the rule of law. It combines emotional rhetoric with standards defined by fundamental rights and rational arguments, and refers to specific data and institutions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The same topic will be addressed in two separate speeches on the same day (2025-06-09); this refers to the upcoming discussion in the Legal Affairs Committee and the plenary session – an effort to open the debate and clarify the legal background. This demonstrates strong, ongoing involvement and a rapid increase in activity concerning the topic's visibility within a short timeframe. It highlights the absence of prior discussion and calls for continuous monitoring.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism centers on the government and the Social Democrats rushing the process, coupled with the inadequate legal basis for using the cameras. (The individual/party) voted in favor of suspending the bill, stressing the necessity of fully vetting and legalizing the procedure, and criticizing the secrecy and insufficient transparency involved. They call for opportunities for compromise and independent oversight, while demonstrating strong resistance to the current hurried approach.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Seeks to find common solutions and emphasizes adherence to the practices of foreign countries and European rule of law standards—a proponent of rigorous and multi-layered control. Demonstrates readiness for cooperation and engagement, and does not wish to launch a personal attack on the minister, but rather focuses on the quality of the system and regulation. Points to the need for creating consensus and dependent oversight.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
This is a central discussion at the national level, which does not refer to specific areas or regions. The main points of focus concern nationwide legislation, public space, the protection of personal data, and legal enforcement mechanisms, rather than regional projects.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Data regarding economic activity or the budget is unavailable; there is no clear economic policy stance concerning rapid procurement or costs. Not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It emphasizes individual privacy and the protection of fundamental rights; it criticizes extensive surveillance and stresses the need for restrictions applicable within a democratic rule of law state, coupled with independent oversight. Herein, the protection of rights, control over data, and transparency in the public sphere are highlighted as core values.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary objective of the draft legislation is to clarify and organize the legal basis for the use of cameras. The topics covered include: the grounds for use and the data to be collected, data destruction, access, and independent oversight. [The body/committee] has decided not to rush the processing of the draft bill and stresses the necessity of regulating the use of cameras in public spaces through specific, restrictive provisions and an evidence-based framework. The next steps involve discussion in the Legal Committee and at the plenary level.
2 Speeches Analyzed