Agenda Profile: Mihkel Lees
First reading of the draft law on civil crisis and state defense
2025-09-10
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is one of strong support for the draft Civil Crisis and National Defense Act, underscoring the necessity of a comprehensive and clear crisis preparedness system. The focus is placed on effectiveness and systemic reform designed to ensure faster response times and stronger defense capabilities, drawing upon recent international crisis experiences. The political framework is distinctly policy- and results-driven, emphasizing the establishment of clarity within command structures and assigned tasks.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in crisis preparedness, the establishment of a legal framework, and the clarity of administrative systems. Particular emphasis is placed on the need for a unified chain of command, the definition of crisis tasks, and the legal codification of civil protection, citing the current fragmentation across three separate laws. Furthermore, knowledge regarding making the role of local authorities more realistic during a crisis situation is highlighted.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is structured, logical, and persuasive, employing numbered arguments to outline the benefits of the draft bill (e.g., a unified framework, clear responsibilities, the role of local governments, and civil protection). The tone is urgent, referencing the rapid changes in everyday life—exemplified by the Polish drone incident—yet remains optimistic regarding the establishment of the new system. The appeal is primarily logical, focusing on enhancing clarity and building trust.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data reveals two identical speeches delivered on the same day in the Riigikogu in support of the bill during its first reading. This indicates active participation in the introduction and support of significant government bills.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker neither criticizes nor names any political opponent or group. The criticism is aimed at the deficiencies of the existing legal framework, which was fragmented and unclear, rather than at specific political decisions or individuals.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker represents the stance of the Reform Party faction, stressing the faction's desire for the thorough, yet swift processing of the draft bill. There is no information regarding inter-party cooperation or willingness to compromise, but this demonstrates strong internal factional unity.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is directed at clarifying the role of local municipalities in crisis preparedness and standardizing their duties across Estonia. The speaker draws on their previous experience as the former Deputy Mayor of Tartu to emphasize the importance of specifying municipal tasks and compensating for the associated costs.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic considerations concern the state's readiness to reimburse local authorities for costs incurred when carrying out crisis tasks on a scale larger than usual. This emphasizes fiscal support for the local level and the sharing of crisis preparedness costs.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social focus is the legalization and systematization of civil protection, which encompasses hazard warnings, evacuation, sheltering, first aid, and psychological assistance. Also crucial is the well-considered legalization of restrictions on fundamental rights during a crisis. These restrictions must be linked to the severity of the crisis and accompanied by protective guarantees, thereby increasing trust between the state and its citizens.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on supporting and fast-tracking the processing of the draft Civil Crisis and National Defence Act (668 SE). The objective is to establish a comprehensive legal framework that will replace the three existing laws, and to legally formalize civil protection measures and clear restrictions on fundamental rights.
2 Speeches Analyzed