Session Profile: Arvo Aller
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
2024-11-11
Political Position
The political position focuses on improving the welfare of working people, strongly supporting the provision of additional days off and the compensation of public holidays that fall on a weekend. This is a value-based approach that emphasizes the positive correlation between spending time with family and work efficiency. The speaker sharply criticizes the coalition's reluctance to support bills that would benefit Estonian working people.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a strong understanding of the comparative public holiday policies across EU member states, specifically pointing out Estonia's unique position regarding the second day of Easter (only Malta and Portugal share a similar approach). They are also well-versed in the subject of legislative impact assessments, criticizing their inconsistent application when dealing with proposals for tax hikes versus new public holidays. Furthermore, the discussion touches upon the four-day work week concept and the relationship between time off and work efficiency.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is persuasive and at times confrontational, directly addressing both the audience in the hall and the wider public ("Good people who are watching us via the internet"). A stark contrast is drawn between the opposition to the coalition and the positive effects of the draft bill, accusing opponents of hypocrisy for demanding impact assessments. The tone is passionate and includes rhetorical questions (for example, regarding a three-day work week).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in plenary sessions, asking questions and defending the bill initiated by his/her party. He/She is well-informed about the work of the committees, pointing to procedural obstacles within the Constitutional Committee and the inaction of the deputy chairman.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong opposition is directed at the governing coalition, which faces criticism for lacking the political will necessary to support legislation beneficial to working people. The coalition stands accused of hypocrisy: they demand a massive impact assessment just to grant a single day off, yet they accept tax hikes without requiring one. The chance of reaching a compromise is viewed as a miracle, suggesting very low expectations for cooperation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker concludes by making a direct appeal to support the bill presented by the Conservative People's Party of Estonia, seeking to gain broader backing. At the same time, he/she remains skeptical about the coalition's willingness to support a worthwhile initiative, which points to a strained atmosphere of cooperation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level (the situation of working people in Estonia) and on international comparison with other European Union countries concerning public holidays. Regional or local focus is absent from the speeches.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives emphasize the well-being and efficiency of the workforce, asserting that rest and spending time with family significantly improve work performance. There is strong opposition to the coalition's proposed tax increases, particularly when they are introduced without a proper impact assessment. Support is given to increasing the leisure time available to working people, even at the cost of foregoing state revenue.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue revolves around valuing time spent with family and taking rest, which is directly linked to improving the well-being of working people. There is support for adding the second day of Easter (Easter Monday) to the list of national holidays, citing its widespread practice across Europe and emphasizing its positive impact on allowing people to recharge.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on amending the Holidays and Anniversaries Act to ensure compensation for public holidays that fall on a weekend and to add the second day of Easter. The speaker is a strong supporter of this bill, which was submitted by EKRE, and criticizes the delay in its processing within the Constitutional Committee.
2 Speeches Analyzed