Agenda Profile: Arvo Aller
First Reading of the Draft Act Amending the Customs Act (350 SE)
2024-01-17
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus centers on the transparency of state activities and the protection of citizens' rights, particularly concerning the opening of mail packages and the justification of risk assessments. Furthermore, critics are addressing the draft bill's impact on the state budget and the layoffs of officials at the Tax and Customs Board (MTA), calling into question the social cost of these austerity measures. These positions are primarily presented within the framework of political execution and procedural justice.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of customs procedures and risk assessments, highlighting specific statistical data concerning opened packages and prohibited items (e.g., 5,000 shipments, 1,317 prohibited items). Furthermore, the speaker possesses detailed knowledge of the draft bill's impact on the staffing levels of the Tax and Customs Board (MTA), referencing approximately 50 officials from two different departments.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is analytical and direct, focusing on details and procedures (e.g., the protocol for opening packages and the explanatory memorandum). The speaker poses questions in a logical and formal manner, but becomes defensive and slightly confrontational in the third address, defending the right to pose questions in the main chamber.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was active during the first reading of the draft Act on Amendments to the Customs Act, asking the minister several substantive questions within a short timeframe. This demonstrates active participation in the legislative debate and a focus on the details of the specific draft bill.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at the government's activities, particularly concerning the lack of transparency in the procedures for handling legislative packages and the social impact resulting from state budget austerity measures. The speaker also indirectly disputes the alleged complete clarity held by coalition members, defending the right of those posing questions to receive information.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
No data is available concerning cooperation with other factions. The possibility of discussing matters within one's own faction is mentioned, but it is stressed that a round of questions in the main hall is necessary for public discussion and clarification.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level, addressing amendments to the Customs Act and their impact on the operational structure of the Tax and Customs Board. Regional or local focus is not present in the speeches.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic considerations revolve around the state budget and austerity measures, with the speaker demanding clarity regarding the financial impact of the draft legislation and the potential layoffs of officials at the Tax and Customs Board. He asks directly whether failing to pass the acts will result in redundancies and financial savings.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is directed toward protecting citizens' rights and privacy from state actions, requiring a transparent protocol detailing the reasons for opening postal shipments. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of ensuring that the recipient of an opened package can subsequently request both the risk assessment and the justification for the action.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft Act amending the Customs Act (Bill 350 SE). The speaker is critically questioning the bill, seeking clarification on both the procedural aspects (the justifications for opening packages) and the administrative consequences (the redundancy of MTA personnel).
3 Speeches Analyzed