Agenda Profile: Katrin Kuusemäe
Draft law amending § 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemoration Days Act (637 SE) – First Reading
2025-09-11
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strictly procedural and neutral, as the speaker is acting as the rapporteur for the Constitutional Committee. He/She is relaying the opposition of the Government of the Republic to the draft bill, which is founded on the socio-economic context and the necessity of internal balance, rather than merely the desire for EU harmonization. His/Her political framework is clearly procedural and policy-driven, avoiding personal value judgments.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the procedural processes of the Riigikogu and the work of the Constitutional Committee, providing precise overviews of session dates and procedural decisions. He/She relies on official minutes and formal positions, such as the Government’s opinion, but acknowledges lacking detailed knowledge concerning specific analyses. The speaker emphasizes the existence of the Legal and Analysis Department within the Riigikogu Chancellery, which is tasked with assisting the parliamentary groups.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaking style is formal, objective, and strictly informative, consistent with the role of the committee rapporteur. He/She focuses on summarizing facts and procedural decisions, avoiding emotional or personal viewpoints. He/She repeatedly refuses to express his/her personal opinion in the chamber, instead offering the opportunity for discussion outside the hall.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was active during the plenary session on September 10, presenting the lead committee's report and repeatedly answering questions. Their pattern of activity is linked to the committee's work, referencing recent sessions on September 8 and earlier ones on June 17. They mention that this is their first time in the Riigikogu, but understand that this is a continuous process.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker maintains neutrality personally but relays the position of the Government of the Republic, which did not support the draft bill. The government's critique was both policy-based and procedural, stressing that the explanatory memorandum failed to address the socio-economic impacts resulting from the addition of an extra day off. The government was of the opinion that the total number of rest days should be based on internal balance.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is procedurally cooperative, having taken on the role of rapporteur following the departure of the previous colleague. He/She refers to the committee chairman's proposal to include the draft bill in the comprehensive reorganization process of the public holidays system, demonstrating openness to broader systemic cooperation. He/She expresses hope that the Government is prepared to assist the parliamentary factions in conducting analyses.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation and international harmonization with European Union member states regarding the number of days off. There is no reference whatsoever to local or regional issues.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspectives are indirectly reflected in the communication of the Government’s stance, which stressed the necessity of evaluating the bill’s true impact and basing the determination of the number of holidays on maintaining internal socio-economic balance. This indicates a degree of caution, aimed at ensuring that adding an extra day off does not result in negative economic consequences.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue concerns the reorganization of the system governing public holidays and days off. This matter has been approached with a legislative focus, underscoring the necessity of finding an internal balance between the total number of days off and the broader socio-economic context.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft Act amending the Holidays and Commemorative Days Act (637 SE), which was initiated by the Estonian Centre Party faction. The speaker is acting in the role of rapporteur for the lead committee, concentrating on the procedural decisions regarding the bill and the proposal to conclude the first reading.
8 Speeches Analyzed