Session Profile: Arvo Aller
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
2024-01-25
Political Position
The political focus is heavily directed toward ensuring food supply security and incorporating it as a vital service within the Emergency Situation Act. This is framed as a matter of reducing security risks and boosting public confidence. Strong opposition is also being expressed regarding the government's tax increases, which harm farmers and rural communities. Political action is primarily aimed at defending bills that were initiated by the opposition.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the substance of the Emergency Situation Act, the management of national food reserves, and the establishment of the Stock Center (Varude Keskus). They reference personal experience as a former Minister of Rural Affairs in overseeing the reserves and use specific terminology related to vital services and the administrative scope of ministries. They are aware of changes in the administrative scopes of ministries (the dissolution of the Ministry of Rural Affairs) and the details of the Stock Center's budget line item.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is predominantly serious and critical, especially concerning the rejection of opposition bills, but remains polite initially (Thank you, esteemed Chair of the session!). Both logical arguments (the necessity of legislative amendments to ensure security) and emotional appeals (to show solidarity with farmers and stand up for Estonian food security) are employed. The closing address is particularly passionate, criticizing the demise of rural life.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
All speeches were delivered during a single plenary session, focusing on the introduction and defense of the bill initiated in May 2023. No other patterns of activity exist.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at the government and the majority, who routinely reject sound bills proposed by the opposition without examining their merits, justifying these rejections by citing future planned amendments. There is sharp criticism regarding tax hikes detrimental to farmers, as well as the structure of the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, which signals the marginalization of the agricultural sector. The government’s activities are being dubbed the deliberate killing off of rural life.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The bill was initiated in collaboration with colleague Martin Helme. Hope was expressed that the proposal could secure majority support in the Riigikogu, referencing potential cross-party cooperation on security matters. However, it is simultaneously stressed that opposition bills are rejected without even examining their substance.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national security, but significant emphasis has also been placed on the state of rural areas and agriculture. Criticism is directed at the depopulation of regions located outside of Tallinn's "golden ring," as well as the lack of farmer representation in the government. Farmers are viewed as the backbone of Estonian security.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly aligned with agricultural producers, opposing the government's proposed tax increases (including excise duties, VAT, the heavy vehicle tax, and environmental fees). It is argued that this tax burden will make Estonian food significantly more expensive and stifle farmers' operations. They also support national supply security, which necessitates state intervention to guarantee food reserves.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social concern is ensuring the population's sense of security through the provision of food supplies during an emergency. The need for a national food reserve for low-income families and other people in need is also mentioned, thereby linking social security with national security.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is amending the Emergency Situation Act to include the supply of foodstuffs as a vital national service. The speaker is the initiator of this draft bill and criticizes the government's opposition to it, emphasizing that the legal amendment is needed immediately, rather than waiting for the government's future plans.
10 Speeches Analyzed