Session Profile: Arvo Aller
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-03-06
Political Position
The political position is clearly reformist and focused on security. The speaker strongly supports the bill initiated by EKRE concerning the prohibition on holding simultaneous offices as a Riigikogu member and a local council member, stressing the need for dedication to parliamentary work. Furthermore, there is a demand to revoke the voting rights of Russian and Belarusian citizens, linking this directly to Estonian national security. The government is also criticized for prioritizing the coalition agreement over the interests of the state.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a detailed understanding of regulatory and financial matters, inquiring about specific deadlines (minimum tax declarations) and administrative specifics (such as the correct names of state institutions in international agreements, e.g., EAS/EISA). Technical questions were also raised concerning the thresholds for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and employment statistics for renewable energy projects (jobs per megawatt).
10 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, yet frequently confrontational and demanding, particularly when addressing ministers and rapporteurs. Sharp accusations are employed (for instance, describing the Reform Party's actions as "parading in borrowed plumes") and the rapporteur's subjective "perception" is dismissed. Comparative examples (such as national costumes at the Song Festival) are utilized within the context of social issues to bolster logical arguments.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active during the plenary session, submitting several detailed questions to ministers and rapporteurs on various topics, including taxation, energy, contracts, and social issues. Their pattern of activity shows involvement in committee work, specifically in the Social Affairs Committee, where a draft healthcare bill was under discussion.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker is in strong opposition, criticizing the Reform Party and the government for political stalling (specifically, restricting voting rights/suffrage) and for how the government sets its priorities (prioritizing the coalition agreement over the national interest). The coalition’s actions in local municipalities are also indirectly criticized regarding the timing of council sessions, which obstructs the work of opposition members.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker expressed willingness to support the draft bill restricting suffrage on a cross-party basis, calling on both coalition partners and the opposition to act jointly in order to fulfill a provision of the coalition agreement. At the same time, the speaker was critical of the government, arguing that it should be guided by the interests of the state, not solely by the coalition agreement.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is directed towards Ida-Virumaa, where the actual impact of renewable energy projects (Viru-Nigula, Aseri, Püssi) on local employment is being assessed. Furthermore, international relations are being addressed, particularly the aviation agreement with Korea, emphasizing its significance for Estonian tourists and businesses.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views focus on regulatory clarity and the performance of investments. Clarity is demanded regarding the deadlines for minimum tax declarations, and doubts are raised about the economic impact of renewable energy projects, given that local workers have not been observed. The interests of entrepreneurs are supported by questioning the necessity of ratifying the Korean aviation agreement and by emphasizing the inclusion of employers in healthcare information days.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social sector addresses healthcare (involving family doctors and occupational health physicians in informational sessions), as well as integration and security. The speaker questions the acceptability of wearing the burqa and niqab in public spaces, comparing it to traditional national costumes. Support is expressed for revoking the right to vote from Russian/Belarusian citizens, linking this measure to security and the shaping of local educational and cultural life.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is primarily directed toward amending the Rules of Procedure of the Riigikogu and the Local Government Organization Act (the dual mandate restriction) and limiting suffrage. Also under focus is achieving regulatory clarity regarding the waiver of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for renewable energy projects, and the necessity of ratifying international agreements (specifically, the Korea aviation agreement).
10 Speeches Analyzed