Agenda Profile: Mihkel Lees
Continuation of the first reading of the Draft Act (682 SE) on the Ratification of the Agreement between the Republic of Estonia and the Kingdom of Sweden concerning the Execution of Prison Sentences of the Kingdom of Sweden in the Republic of Estonia
2025-11-05
15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The speaker strongly supports the ratification of the Agreement between Estonia and Sweden on the execution of prison sentences (682 SE), emphasizing its strategic necessity for maintaining critical infrastructure and highlighting its economic benefits. This position is grounded in policy and facts, and it serves to refute public and politically inflamed fears stemming from earlier experiences in Tartu. The speaker is representing the supportive stance of the Reform Party faction.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in social affairs and local government matters, drawing on their five years of experience as Deputy Mayor of Tartu. They use specific examples, such as rehabilitation services for former inmates and the establishment of a residence for people with special needs, to show that these fears are unfounded. They also cite facts regarding the prison's benefits to Tartu (jobs, holding cells) and the capacity of law enforcement agencies to manage associated risks.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speech is calm, clarifying, and logical in tone, focusing on dispelling emotional fears through specific historical examples. He/She uses personal memories and facts to counter political fear-mongering, which he/she considers irresponsible. The style is formal, yet it includes direct criticism aimed at the actions of the opposing side.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker refers to their previous active role as Deputy Mayor of Tartu for social affairs and their participation in the Tartu City Council session where the topic of prisons was addressed. Information regarding their current regular activities is lacking, but they are actively supporting a draft bill in the Riigikogu chamber.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker sharply criticized the opposition, accusing them of political intimidation and fear-mongering against an already anxious social backdrop. He considers the opponents' fears baseless, citing the example that the Tartu police chiefs didn't shake in their boots during the council session but instead gave clear answers. He rejects this irresponsible behavior.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasized cooperation with the ministry to ensure the City of Tartu maintains a close link and remains involved in the subsequent process. He/She mentioned an agreement allowing the City of Tartu to submit additional questions to the Legal Committee and appoint its own representative to the Prison Committee. This demonstrates an openness to addressing the concerns of the local government.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strongly on Tartu and Southern Estonia, emphasizing that the prison has not harmed Tartu, and the city continues to be known as a university city. He/She emphasizes the benefits the agreement brings to the region, such as the creation of hundreds of new jobs and covering the operating costs of the Tartu city detention facility.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker supports fiscal prudence, noting that subsidizing a half-empty prison is not sensible. He views the agreement as economically beneficial, since Sweden will cover the prison rental costs and hundreds of new jobs will be created in Southern Estonia.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Focuses on internal security and safety, emphasizing that new personnel in the internal security sector will actually increase the safety of Tartu residents. He stresses that the Estonian state decides which prisoners will be accepted, that inmates convicted of terrorism offenses will not be taken in, and that no foreign prisoner will be released into Estonia.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The key legislative priority is supporting the Bill on the Ratification of the Agreement on the Enforcement of Prison Sentences between Estonia and Sweden (682 SE). He is a strong proponent of the bill and is currently working on the details concerning risk mitigation and the involvement of local government between the first and second readings.
1 Speeches Analyzed