Agenda Profile: Arvo Aller

The political focus centers on strong opposition to the planned closure of the Jõhvi courthouse, which is being framed as both a weakening of state presence in the border region and a critical security issue. This stance is intensely confrontational, stressing that shutting down the courthouse in the second-largest region is "absolutely unacceptable" and relies on an "illusion" concerning national defense funding. The political framework is strongly value-driven, underscoring the necessity of supporting the state's presence in Ida-Virumaa.

The speaker demonstrates a thorough understanding of the regional structure and logistics of the judicial system, highlighting the size of the Jõhvi Courthouse service area (2,522 square kilometers) and comparing the number of judges there with other courts of first instance. The professional focus is placed on the logistical significance of the courthouse, linking it to other crucial institutions such as the Viru District Prosecutor’s Office, Viru Prison, and psychiatric hospitals. Furthermore, detailed knowledge is presented regarding the county center’s transport links (bus station, train station) and their role in ensuring the accessibility of justice.

The rhetorical style is insistent, critical, and direct, appealing both to logic (statistical data, institutional connections) and to emotions (a direct appeal to conscience). Strong language is employed, accusing the opposing side of "pure surrender" concerning the regions and labeling the minister's justifications an "illusion." The speaker maintains a formal yet demanding tone, issuing specific calls for the decision to be reversed.

The speeches are part of the interpellation process in the Riigikogu, which indicates active participation in formal legislative oversight. Mention is made of submitting five questions to the minister, and concrete negotiations are demanded with the State Real Estate Company (RKAS) to preserve the courthouse.

Strong opposition is directed at the minister and the party Eesti 200, who are accused of having "already given up" on Ida-Virumaa and seeing no reason to fight for the regions. The criticism is policy-driven, refuting the minister's justifications regarding the underutilization of premises and the strengthening of defense capabilities, calling the latter a false pretext.

There is no information regarding cooperation; the focus is on challenging the minister's actions and demanding that he abandon his plan. The speaker demands that the minister initiate negotiations with the developer to reach a reasonable agreement for the continuation of the courthouse's operations.

The regional focus is extremely strong, centered on Ida-Virumaa and the Jõhvi courthouse, which serves as a key anchor point for the state's presence both in the county center and the border region. Emphasis is placed on Jõhvi's role as a landmark and its logistical significance, given that all county bus routes converge there, making access to the courthouse straightforward.

Economic concerns are being raised in opposition to the court budget reduction plan (2.1 million euros), as it will significantly impair access to legal services. The speaker doubts the actual justification for the cut, asserting that the money saved will not be used to strengthen national defense, but will simply vanish from the budget.

The social focus is on ensuring access to justice for the residents of the Jõhvi region, emphasizing that the closure [of the courthouse] would undermine the availability of legal services. Special attention is drawn to the needs of patients in nursing homes and psychiatric hospitals located within the Jõhvi courthouse service area, whose cases involve court proceedings (e.g., involuntary commitment or treatment).

The legislative focus is currently on the interpellation (No. 669) concerning the court downsizing plan, where the speaker is opposing the administrative decision to close the Jõhvi courthouse. The objective is to compel the minister to initiate negotiations with Riigi Kinnisvara Aktsiaselts (State Real Estate Ltd.) to ensure the continuation of the courthouse's operations starting in 2026.