By Agendas: Kalle Laanet

The speaker demonstrates authority in the field of anti-corruption law and criminal procedure, especially regarding the definition of related persons and restrictions on activities. He draws upon his nearly 40-year career as a minister and a member of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) to highlight specific bottlenecks in legal policy. He proposes concrete procedural improvements, such as the collegiate decision-making of the right of appeal within the Prosecutor’s Office, rather than relying on the sole decision of a single prosecutor.

The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of the legislative procedure, especially regarding the work of the Constitutional Committee and the substance of the proposed amendments. This expertise encompasses the Identity Documents Act, the authorization norms for data registers, and the technical harmonization of international migration procedures (return certificates). Precise legal terminology, such as "authorization norms," is employed, and specific dates for the entry into force of the legislation are referenced.

High expertise was demonstrated regarding the procedures for issuing identity documents, e-residency risk management, and the timing of legislation. Officials (Läänemets, Mägi) utilized technical terminology and data, explaining, for example, the reasons for the decline of the digital ID card (low interest, lack of a contract) and the application of DNA expertise as a last resort in determining citizenship. Läänemets specifically named the countries subject to e-residency restrictions (North Korea, Russia, Iran, Syria, Belarus).

The speakers demonstrate knowledge of parliamentary procedures, particularly regarding the work of committees and the processes for establishing investigative committees. They are aware of legal procedures, clearly distinguishing the objectives of the Riigikogu’s inquiry into political accountability from the objectives and toolkit of the prosecutor’s office’s criminal proceedings. Mention is made of the results of the special audit concerning Nordica, which addresses the roles and omissions of the management board and the supervisory board.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in maritime security and defense management, referencing past reforms, such as the merger of the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) and Navy fleets (a reference to General Kert). Specific terminology, such as "situational awareness," is employed, and emphasis is placed on the necessity of applying lessons learned from the war in Ukraine. This knowledge encompasses both historical context and future development directions (fleet modernization).

Expertise was demonstrated in the knowledge of legislative procedural norms, especially regarding the seven-working-week deadline for reaching the Riigikogu Plenary Session (Seeder). The representative of the Ministry of Justice demonstrated knowledge in the field of budget and labor law, emphasizing the need to assess costs (state budget and lost revenue in the private sector) and the impact on employees with averaged working time.

Demonstrates thorough knowledge of the Riigikogu's operational structure, particularly concerning the competence and limitations of its committees, noting that an investigative committee is not a "silver bullet." Shows familiarity with Rail Baltic's financial data, highlighting the project's total cost (3.2 billion euros) and the budget deficits of the Baltic states (Estonia 1.8 billion, Latvia 4.4 billion, Lithuania 3.9 billion). Furthermore, they are well-versed in the national defense aspect, emphasizing the railway's crucial role in moving allied forces.

The speaker demonstrates awareness of the specific figures for national defense funding (1.6 billion euros) and the active debate occurring in the media. The expertise is primarily manifested in posing the question regarding the feasibility and social acceptability of the funding, while appealing to the President of the Bank of Estonia for solutions.

The speakers demonstrate detailed knowledge in the field of the administration of justice and court organization, using specific figures regarding authorizations for surveillance activities (e.g., 999 new authorizations, 473 granted by the court). Special emphasis is placed on the obsolescence of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CCP), the impact of generational change, and the need for digitalization across the entire scope of offense proceedings.

The speaker demonstrates comprehensive knowledge in the field of constitutional law and financial regulation, particularly concerning the Money Laundering Prevention Act and the Credit Institutions Act. Technical terminology such as "unconstitutionality" and "due diligence requirement" is employed, and reference is made to the Supreme Court's case law, clearly differentiating the specifics regarding the protection of fundamental rights afforded to natural versus legal persons.