Agenda Profile: Arvo Aller
Inquiry regarding the closure of the Jõhvi Courthouse (no 666)
2025-01-13
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly directed against the closure of the Jõhvi courthouse, highlighting its regional and security importance in this border area. Criticism is leveled at the government’s decision-making process, arguing that it is too spreadsheet-driven and fails to account for the wider security aspect. The speaker emphasizes the value-based significance of maintaining the state's continuity and presence in Ida-Virumaa.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the regional placement and history of courthouses, citing the building's special-purpose construction 10–15 years ago. Specific financial data (682,000 euros) is also utilized to criticize budget priorities. Furthermore, he/she is aware of the previous claims made by the Chairman of the Viru County Court concerning the underutilization of the courthouse and the minister's site visit.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is passionate and sharply critical, employing emotional appeals (e.g., "for heaven's sake!") and heavily emphasizing the security dimension. The speaker uses juxtaposition (an Excel spreadsheet versus regional security) and accuses the opposing side of making threats and acting with tunnel vision. The tone is urgent, stressing that this is a security aspect that requires immediate resolution.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active initiator of parliamentary inquiries, referencing the inquiry submitted by the Centre Party on November 11th, and the subsequent inquiry on the same subject. He/She is aware of the minister's recent activities, including the site visit to Jõhvi.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is aimed at the minister and the government, who are accused of short-sightedness, ignoring regional security, and relying solely on figures. Criticism is also directed at the Chairman of the Viru County Court, who allegedly introduced the issue of the courthouse being underutilized. The government is accused of threatening legal professionals with layoffs to force them to abandon the Jõhvi courthouse.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasized his readiness to cooperate with local municipalities that are prepared to fully support the preservation of the Jõhvi courthouse. He also offered the minister support in finding the necessary funds for the courthouse to remain operational. Information regarding cooperation with other Riigikogu factions is currently unavailable.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strongly regional, centering on the security and service provision for residents in Ida-Virumaa and the Viru County Court district (Jõhvi, Narva, Rakvere). The Jõhvi courthouse is presented as a crucial landmark and a symbol of state presence, particularly given the proximity (50 km) to the aggressor state. It is emphasized that judicial proceedings must continue locally.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives emphasize that regional security and public accessibility must not be sacrificed for the sake of savings based purely on an Excel spreadsheet (682,000 euros). Criticism is leveled against the state’s actions, which are making car use (fuel excise duties, car tax) increasingly expensive for people, thereby complicating the covering of distances spanning 70–80 km.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is people's access to justice and the continuation of local court proceedings in Jõhvi. It is emphasized that people are absolutely vital, and dragging them around and shuttling them between two cities is not practical. Concern is also raised regarding the deteriorating condition of the roads and the decline in traffic safety.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on holding the government accountable through an interpellation to prevent the closure of the Jõhvi courthouse. The objective is to preserve the regional court network (Jõhvi, Rakvere, Narva) as a whole and ensure the state's continuity and presence in the region.
2 Speeches Analyzed