Agenda Profile: Arvo Aller
Inquiry regarding the departure of state institutions from rural areas (no 653)
2024-11-04
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position involves strong opposition to the practical implementation of the government's regional policy, which directly contradicts the verbal promises made by the ministers. The main focus is on the closure of state and educational institutions in rural areas (e.g., the Jõhvi courthouse, Kiviõli school), which is being framed as a matter of national security and defense. The government's actions are criticized based on their results, emphasizing that these cuts and the relocation of institutions impede Estonia's development.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge of specific institutional closures (e.g., the Jõhvi courthouse, unemployment fund service points) and is proficient in subjects like vocational education, the oil shale sector, and the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Specific figures are used (e.g., 5,000 versus 1,000 jobs, 2.5 billion in CAP measures), and bureaucratic problems within PRIA and issues related to implementing EU rules are referenced.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and combative, focusing on the contradiction between the government's words and actions ("strong on rhetoric, different in practice"). Logical arguments and concrete examples of institutional closures are employed, framing regional policy as a vitally important security issue. The tone is concerned and urgent, particularly in the context of Ida-Virumaa and border areas.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speeches were delivered within the framework of a formal inquiry, demonstrating active participation in the parliamentary oversight process. The speaker is closely monitoring recent regional developments, referencing the plan to close the Jõhvi courthouse, which came to light last week, and the subsequent decision adopted by the Jõhvi council.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the government and specific ministers (the Ministry of Justice, the Climate Minister, Kristina Kallas), whose activities are hindering regional development. The criticism is policy- and results-based, accusing the government of shifting responsibilities onto local municipalities. The government’s flagship project (the Just Transition Fund) is intensely labeled as "smoke and mirrors" and ineffective.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no direct information concerning cooperation, but the speaker expresses a desire for the government to heed opposition members of parliament in order to properly address regional policy. The current government cannot be commended for its regional policy, and no willingness to compromise has been expressed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strongly regional, emphasizing the necessity of state presence in border counties (Ida-Virumaa, Võru, Põlva). Specific attention is also drawn to the threat of closing the Jõhvi courthouse, as well as the disappearance of educational institutions (Kiviõli, Toila, Iisaku, Vana-Vigala) and Employment Service points from rural areas.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives emphasize supporting the oil shale and energy sectors, as well as agriculture, in order to maintain jobs and added value. They oppose increases in land tax and the expansion of protected nature areas, arguing that these measures hinder economic activity and place farmers at a disadvantage. The Just Transition Fund is criticized because it fails to compensate for the jobs lost within the oil shale sector.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus centers on the accessibility of education in rural areas, particularly the preservation of vocational training and upper secondary school sections, which often represent the only chance for many individuals to acquire necessary skills. Furthermore, the importance of the unemployment insurance fund's service points for local residents is also highlighted.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on challenging administrative decisions regarding the closure of state institutions and the expansion of protected areas (specifically Alutaguse National Park). Furthermore, there is a demand to reduce bureaucracy in the process of receiving agricultural subsidies (PRIA) and to prevent any increase in land tax.
2 Speeches Analyzed