Agenda Profile: Urmas Kruuse
Draft law amending the Animal Husbandry Act (551 SE) – first reading
2025-01-29
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is one of strong support for Bill 551 SE, which is viewed as a necessary corrective measure to reinstate European Union directives that were mistakenly invalidated. The focus is on the political framework, emphasizing legislative accuracy and a respectful approach toward businesses and animal welfare. This is primarily a policy- and procedure-focused approach.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the technical details of transposing the law on the breeding of agricultural animals and European Union directives, explaining the historical background of the draft legislation and the necessity for corrective action. He/She references specific procedural dates and information systems (the Agricultural and Food Board, and the pan-European information system). He/She also clarifies the limits of state liability in the event of potential sanctions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, explanatory, and procedural, focusing on logical argumentation (correction of errors, transposition of directives). The speaker maintains a respectful tone, providing a fact-based overview of the substance of the draft law and the consensual decisions reached within the committee. Emotional appeals are absent; the emphasis is placed solely on the transmission of information.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in the legislative process, serving as the Chairman of the Rural Affairs Committee and the bill's rapporteur (the current speaker). He will provide an overview of the committee's work pace and decisions (such as the consensual decisions reached on January 20th). Furthermore, he will guide the bill through the plenary session and determine the deadline for submitting amendments.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no opposition. The speaker does not criticize any political opponent or previous government, although they mistakenly refer to a provision that has been invalidated. They express hope that no complications regarding sanctions will arise between the organizers and the entrepreneurs, emphasizing mutual respect.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative approach is consensual and facilitative, stressing that the decisions regarding the handling of the draft legislation were reached consensually within the Committee on Rural Affairs. The speaker is acting as the representative of the lead committee, demonstrating a willingness to ensure the smooth execution of the proceedings and providing information on the general procedure for submitting amendments.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is both international and national, concentrating specifically on transposing European Union directives into the Estonian legal framework. Furthermore, emphasis is placed on facilitating the movement of businesses "from one end of Europe to the other" and ensuring the delivery of notifications via a pan-European information system.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives tend to favor business interests, stressing the importance of being respectful toward entrepreneurs, taking their costs into account, and avoiding unnecessary travel within Europe. Regulatory clarity is also supported, as it helps businesses keep costs down.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Animal welfare is addressed as one of the social issues, and it is cited as a key reason why notification of breeding events is necessary. This is presented in accordance with the interests of the operators.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on correcting errors and the full transposition of European Union law in the field of breeding farm animals (Bill 551 SE). The speaker supports the draft legislation and is leading the proceedings, guiding the work of the Rural Affairs Committee toward the conclusion of the first reading. The objective is to reinstate the provision that was previously invalidated.
1 Speeches Analyzed