Agenda Profile: Leo Kunnas

Second Reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Emergency Situation Act and Related Amendments to Other Acts (426 SE)

2024-09-18

15th Estonian Parliament, 4th sitting, plenary session

Political Position
The political stance is strongly supportive of amending the Emergency Act to expand the list of vital services to 21 sectors. The speaker views this as targeted progress in comprehensive national defense, emphasizing the necessity of ensuring the functionality of food supply, pharmaceuticals, media, and ports during a crisis. The position is policy-driven but includes a critical note that the state required the impetus of an European Union directive to achieve this.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in crisis management legislation and the definition of vital services (VS), being aware of newly added sectors such as food production and general practitioner services. They master the subject at a detailed level, addressing both technical specifics and the time pressure associated with transposing the directive. Specific terminology is used, such as "comprehensive national defense," and reference is made to specific domains (the 6 + 1 areas).

1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is analytical, businesslike, and possesses a moderate sense of urgency, highlighting the importance of the bill and the necessity of finally addressing issues that should have been dealt with years ago. Rhetorical questions are employed to draw attention to the state's previous inaction ("Couldn't we have figured this out ourselves somehow?"). The overall tone remains optimistic regarding the future, with a promise to continue working through the technical details.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker’s pattern of activity is linked to the legislative process, involving active participation in committee work and speaking during the second reading of the draft bill in the main chamber. They refer to close communication with colleagues and involved stakeholders, analyzing their attitude toward the proposed legislation.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Direct political opposition is not the target of criticism; rather, the focus is on the resistance or hesitation observed among certain involved stakeholders. Specific mention is made of food producers and general practitioners (GPs) who were hesitant or even explicitly requested not to be classified as providers of vital services. This criticism is aimed at their reluctance to accept national defense obligations.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is appreciative and constructive, thanking colleagues for the work accomplished in the committee. The speaker emphasizes the necessity of continuing this cooperation to refine technical details throughout the tenure of both the current and the next composition of the Riigikogu (Parliament). The speaker demonstrates readiness for future improvement work.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level, addressing vital services necessary for the functioning of the entire state and its population during times of crisis and war (e.g., food, ports, airfields). The international dimension is also mentioned through the transposition of the European Union directive.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are subordinated to ensuring national security and crisis preparedness. The speaker supports regulating certain economic sectors (food, ports, airfields) by including them among vital services, in order to guarantee their operation during a crisis. He notes that food producers opposed the regulation but emphasizes its necessity.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are addressed within the context of security and the provision of vital services, stressing the necessity of maintaining general practitioner services and the availability of food and medicine during times of crisis and war. The focus remains on the continuity of societal functioning and meeting the essential needs of the population.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the draft amendment to the Emergency Situation Act (426 SE), which aims to transpose the EU directive and expand the list of vital services. The speaker is a strong proponent of the bill and the driving force behind the initiative in the committee, highlighting the progress that has been achieved. He/She pledges to continue working on refining the technical details in the future.

1 Speeches Analyzed