Agenda Profile: Arvo Aller
Draft law (469 SE) for the ratification of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Convention No. 190 concerning the elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work – first reading
2024-09-25
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the ratification of the International Labour Organization convention (C190), based on the belief that Estonian laws already cover the topic sufficiently. Emphasis is placed on the independence of the nation-state and the necessity of operating under domestic legislation, thereby questioning the overall need for international treaties. This stance is primarily value-driven, focusing on protecting domestic sovereignty and preventing social changes.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speakers demonstrated a detailed understanding of the draft bill, citing both Convention No. 190 and the associated Recommendation No. 206, and quoting specific chapters from the explanatory memorandum. Figures on the number of countries that have ratified the convention (43 nations) were used to illustrate Estonia’s ambition to be "at the forefront." Expertise was primarily utilized to highlight the convention’s social provisions, which are deemed problematic.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is skeptical and question-oriented, especially regarding the necessity of international alignment, and it also makes a point of noting the change in presenter. When addressing social issues, however, the tone becomes highly combative and cautionary, employing loaded language such as "with madness" and referencing dangers that "children could be corrupted early."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Lack of data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed against the proponents of the draft legislation (the minister) and international organizations who are imposing a convention that is deemed unnecessary and a threat to the domestic order. The criticism is sharp, particularly concerning the social provisions related to school education and gender neutrality.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Lack of data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is divided between domestic legislation (Estonian laws, the nation-state) and international policy (the ratification of ILO conventions). There is no emphasis on specific local or regional issues.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are indirectly addressed within the context of labor law, but there is no clear stance on taxation, trade, or economic growth. The focus is primarily on the legislative and social aspects, rather than the economic impact.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Strong opposition is voiced on social issues regarding the implementation of gender-based violence awareness campaigns in the languages of foreign workers (including Arabic, Spanish, and French). There is particularly fierce resistance to the dissemination of gender-sensitive curricula in schools, as this is viewed as a threat to the corruption of children and the imposition of gender neutrality.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the opposition to the draft Act on the ratification of the International Labour Organization Convention No. 190 (469 SE). The speaker is acting as a critic and opponent of the draft, questioning its necessity within the Estonian legal framework, given that all matters are allegedly already covered.
2 Speeches Analyzed