Session Profile: Katrin Kuusemäe
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-01-14
Political Position
The political position is one of moderate opposition to the bill initiated by EKRE concerning the transparency of representation expenses for the Chancellor of Justice and the State Prosecutor General. This opposition is grounded in a procedural and integrity argument: that to effectively prevent corruption, amendments regarding the reimbursement of representation expenses should be implemented comprehensively across all relevant statutes where such compensation is stipulated. The committee represented by the speaker proposed rejecting the draft legislation (5 votes in favor, 4 against).
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Expertise is clearly linked to the legislative procedure and the work of the Constitutional Committee, especially regarding the procedural steps and communication of decisions concerning draft legislation. It demonstrates authority in conveying the government’s official positions and the shortcomings (lack of transparency) in the regulation of representation expenses. The speaker is able to accurately cite laws (Status of Member of the Riigikogu Act) and officials (Kaidi Meristo).
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style of address is highly formal, neutral, and procedural, strictly focusing on the conveyance of events and decisions made during the committee session. Logical appeals are employed, emphasizing the arguments of the Government of the Republic and the committee members while avoiding personal emotional viewpoints. When responding to questions, the speaker strictly limits the scope to what was discussed in the committee, relegating the discussion of personal opinion to the corridor.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the plenary session of the Riigikogu as the rapporteur for the leading committee, presenting the positions of the Constitutional Committee. His/Her activity patterns include accurately reporting the content of specific committee meetings (December 3) and decisions made by the Government of the Republic (November 14). He/She fulfills the role of rapporteur by conveying procedural decisions and summaries of debates.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The objection is aimed at the narrow and non-comprehensive approach of the draft legislation initiated by the EKRE faction, stressing that the amendments should be comprehensive and cover all laws where representation expenses are stipulated. The criticism is primarily procedural and concerns the substance of the policy, not personal, and reflects the Government’s positions. The committee proposed rejecting the bill.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is formal and committee-based, where the speaker represents the views of the steering committee. It is noted that the decision to reject the draft bill was divided (5 in favor, 4 against), whereas the decision to include the bill on the plenary agenda was consensus-based. The cooperation involves hearing the views of the representative of the Government of the Republic at the committee meeting.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
No data available.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
No data available.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
No data available
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on amending the Chancellor of Justice Act and the Prosecutor's Office Act in order to increase transparency in the use of representation expenses and prevent corruption. The speaker is the rapporteur of the leading committee, who conveys the committee's proposal to reject the draft bill because it does not offer a comprehensive solution.
6 Speeches Analyzed