Agenda Profile: Arvo Aller
Draft law (583 SE) for the first reading regarding accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and approval of amendment to Article 20, paragraph 1, of the Convention.
2025-03-20
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is skeptical regarding accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, demanding concrete examples and evidence of its practical necessity for Estonian citizens. The focus is on the effectiveness of the policy and whether the draft bill solves a proven problem. The speaker also brings up for comparison other unresolved domestic problems, such as e-elections, which are currently not being addressed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of international conventions (CEDAW OP) and the procedural aspects of appealing to the UN, particularly concerning the requirement for the exhaustion of domestic remedies. He/She is aware of the special status of Estonia and Latvia as two countries that have not yet acceded to the protocol.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, analytical, and inquisitive, focusing on logical arguments and requiring specific, evidence-based cases or examples. The tone is matter-of-fact, and the objective is to ascertain the actual practical impact and necessity of the draft bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in the legislative process, repeatedly posing detailed questions during the first reading of the same draft bill to both the minister and the committee rapporteur. This demonstrates a consistent interest in the merits of the specific bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
While direct opposition to the draft bill has not been expressed, critics are questioning the justifications provided by the bill’s sponsors, demanding evidence that Estonia’s failure to join the protocol has actually created unresolved problems. The criticism is focused on procedural matters and the soundness of the underlying policy content.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of collaboration is polite and respectful, addressing the chair of the session and the presenters with due deference. The speaker seeks dialogue and additional information from the committee in order to understand the rationale behind the draft legislation and to receive confirmation of its necessity.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level (the functioning of the Estonian legal system and e-elections) and international comparison, highlighting the special status of Estonia and Latvia as two non-aligned countries. The speaker specifically asks about Latvia's steps regarding accession to the protocol.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The central social theme is the international mechanism for eliminating discrimination against women, which is primarily examined from the perspective of legal and procedural necessity. The priorities for addressing social problems are being called into question, highlighting the topic of e-elections.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the draft Act of Accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (Bill 583 SE). The speaker is taking on the role of a critical interrogator, demanding specific rationale and examples to support the bill before offering their endorsement.
2 Speeches Analyzed