Session Profile: Arvo Aller

The political position is strongly regional and security-oriented, opposing national budget cuts that weaken the state’s presence in border regions. The closure of the Jõhvi courthouse is the most fiercely resisted measure, viewed as nothing less than pure surrender and a threat to regional security. Furthermore, concerns are raised regarding the social consequences of abandoning oil shale energy and the resulting decline in employment in Ida-Virumaa.

The speaker demonstrates detailed expertise regarding the regional organization of the court system, specifying the sizes in square kilometers of the service areas for the three courthouses of the Viru County Court (Jõhvi, Narva, Rakvere) and the corresponding number of judges. The speaker utilizes concrete figures (a cut of 682,000 euros, a 50 km distance from the aggressor state) and enumerates the key institutions related to court operations located in Jõhvi (Viru Prison, the East Prefecture Police Department, the Prosecutor's Office). Furthermore, the speaker is aware of the declared phase-out schedules for the energy sector (2035, 2040).

The speech is urgent in tone, critical, and emotionally charged, especially regarding regional security issues, using expressions like "for heaven's sake" and "pure surrender." The criticism is aimed at the short-sightedness of the minister and the government, who look only at the Excel spreadsheet, as if "wearing blinders." Logical arguments (the consolidation of institutions, the Bornhöhe tradition) are interwoven with emotional appeals concerning people's safety and the continuity of the state.

The speaker actively submits interpellations during the plenary session, focusing on issues concerning both energy and regional administration of justice on the same day. The speaker refers to the interpellation submitted by the Centre Party on November 11th, demonstrating the consistent handling of the topic. Furthermore, the speaker mentions the minister's on-site visit to Jõhvi, which indicates active monitoring and participation in the events.

The sharpest criticism is aimed at the minister's and the government's (especially Eesti 200's) austerity policy, which is viewed as a disregard for regional security. The government is being criticized for appealing to raw numbers and threatening layoffs in order to force judges to vacate the building in Jõhvi. The argument that the money saved by these cuts will be allocated to national defense is rejected, and the claim is dismissed as an illusion.

In terms of cooperation, the speaker adopts a rather confrontational stance toward the minister, yet simultaneously signals the local government's willingness to support the continued existence of the Jõhvi courthouse. The call to the minister is to secure the necessary resources and initiate negotiations with the developer to achieve a sensible agreement—a move that suggests a genuine desire to find a solution rather than merely offering criticism.

The focus is exceptionally strong in Ida-Virumaa and the border region (Jõhvi, Narva, Rakvere). Jõhvi is highlighted as the county center where key institutions and transport links (bus station, railway station) are concentrated. The importance of the state's presence is emphasized in this border region, which is located 50 kilometers from the aggressor state.

Economic perspectives prioritize regional stability and security over budget cuts. The government's fiscal policy is being criticized because it can find 100 million euros elsewhere, but is unable to find 682,000 euros for a courthouse. Concern is also being expressed regarding rising fuel excise duties, the car tax, and the condition of the roads, all of which make it harder for both residents and local municipalities to make ends meet.

The focus is on the accessibility of justice and public safety in the region. Emphasis is placed on the social consequences resulting from the contraction of the oil shale energy sector (i.e., reduced employment). They oppose the unnecessary shuttling of people and the long travel distances between courthouses, stressing the necessity of conducting court proceedings locally.

The primary legislative focus is on challenging and reversing administrative cutback plans (specifically, the closure of the Jõhvi courthouse) by means of parliamentary inquiries (interpellations). Furthermore, attention is being paid to monitoring and mitigating the social and regional impacts of national strategies, such as the phasing out of oil shale energy.