Agenda Profile: Mihkel Lees
Draft law amending the Public Health Act (617 SE) – first reading
2025-06-04
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is cautious and Eurocentric, emphasizing the need to adhere to European Union directives and reach a common pan-European solution for abolishing daylight saving time. The preference is not to "jump the gun" with a Riigikogu decision, but rather wait for a common EU decision, although the negative impact of DST on health is acknowledged. The stance is strongly based on policy and procedure, emphasizing the importance of the functioning of the internal market.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Strong expertise is demonstrated regarding European Union law and the procedures for transposing it into the Estonian legal framework, with references made to specific directives and a Regulation of the Government of the Republic. As a representative of the Social Affairs Committee, a detailed overview has been provided concerning the processing of the draft bill, including the opinions of the experts involved (the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications – MKM) and the voting results. Experts confirmed that the changing of the clocks may have a negative impact on human health.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is predominantly formal, factual, and neutral, particularly concerning the committee rapporteur, who concentrates on the detailed reporting of procedural facts, expert opinions, and voting outcomes. The first speaker adopts a cautious and inquiring tone, stressing the logical argument for the necessity of a unified European decision. Emotional appeals are avoided; the focus remains strictly on legal and procedural precision.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The Speaker (S2) has been actively involved in the work of the steering committee, attending two preparatory sessions for the draft legislation (on May 19th and June 2nd) and acting as the rapporteur during the plenary session. This operational pattern indicates thorough preparation within the committee, which included engaging experts from several ministries.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opposition is directed at the proposal by the bill's initiator (Mr. Grünthal) to unilaterally end the practice of changing clocks, as this conflicts with the interests of the functioning of the European Union's single internal market. The opposition is based more on policy and procedure, rather than being personal, and focuses on legal correctness and common action by the European Union.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style is open to the involvement of experts from the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications to ensure a thorough analysis of the draft bill. The committee attempted to achieve consensus on procedural matters (e.g., placing the draft bill on the agenda and appointing a representative), although a substantive decision regarding the rejection of the bill was not made due to the 5:5 voting result.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation (the Estonian legal framework) and the international (European Union) level, especially in the context of transposing directives and the functioning of the internal market. Local or regional focus is entirely absent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspective emphasizes the importance of a unified time zone for ensuring the smooth functioning of the European Union's internal market, which is a significant argument against the unilateral termination of daylight saving time. Reference is also made to the involvement of experts from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is public health, with experts acknowledging that the practice of changing clocks can negatively affect people's health. This health argument was highlighted by the bill's initiator, but it is ultimately outweighed by the necessity of adhering to the EU's unified policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft amendment to the Public Health Act (Bill 617 SE), which concerns ending the transition to daylight saving time. The speaker (S2) is the rapporteur for the lead committee, describing the procedural hurdles facing the bill and the committee’s inability to reach a decision regarding the bill’s rejection during the first reading.
2 Speeches Analyzed