Session Profile: Mihkel Lees
15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-11-05
Political Position
The Reform Party faction strongly supports the ratification of the prison lease agreement with Sweden, deeming it a responsible decision from both a security and economic standpoint. This position is fact-based, highlighting the importance of maintaining critical infrastructure and the irrationality of sustaining a half-empty prison facility. We deplore political fearmongering and the deliberate stirring up of emotions within an already anxious public environment.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
He/She possesses significant expertise in local social affairs and municipal issues (Deputy Mayor of Tartu), utilizing past experience (Kase street, Ilmatsalu) to alleviate concerns. He/She demonstrates awareness of the prison service's readiness, security, and the specifics of criminal policy, highlighting, for instance, the operation of the detention cell and the exclusion of terrorism offenses.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is calm, logical, and persuasive, relying on personal experience and historical facts to dispel fears. It employs a strong logical appeal ("now just take a look at the facts") and establishes credibility by presenting himself as a true resident of Tartu. Simultaneously, it sharply criticizes irresponsible political fear-mongering.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
He/She participated in the Riigikogu plenary session and referenced a previous Tartu City Council meeting where prison-related risks and corresponding responses were addressed. The agreement was also mentioned, allowing the City of Tartu to submit further questions to the Riigikogu Legal Affairs Committee between the first and second readings. Information regarding other regular activity patterns is unavailable.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
He criticizes opponents of the agreement, accusing them of "political intimidation" and irresponsible conduct. He refuted colleague Heljo Pikhof’s account of the Tartu City Council session, asserting that the heads of the police and prison services were prepared to mitigate the risks. The criticism is aimed at the opponents' tactics and the stirring up of emotions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The text stresses the cooperation between the ministry and the City of Tartu, noting that close ties are maintained with the city and that additional questions are welcome. It also brings up the aspect of international cooperation, mentioning that Estonia is helping Sweden during a difficult period, which may result in reciprocal assistance down the line.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The text focuses heavily on the city of Tartu and the South Estonian region, emphasizing that the prison has brought considerable benefits to the area (jobs, detention facilities) and has not diminished security. It seeks to assuage the fears of the "good people of Tartu," confirming that Tartu will continue to be known as a university city, not a prison city.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It supports fiscal responsibility, arguing that subsidizing a half-empty prison is unreasonable, and highlights the economic benefits. It notes that Sweden will cover the rental costs, creating hundreds of new jobs in the internal security sector in Southern Estonia.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus is on public safety and internal security, arguing that increasing the number of personnel in the internal security sector will actually enhance the safety of Tartu residents. It supports social integration, citing examples where rehabilitation services for people with special needs and former inmates have not diminished community safety.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is supporting the ratification of the international agreement concerning the leasing of Tartu Prison to Sweden. [The work/entity] acts as a proponent and supporter of the draft bill, stressing that the agreement includes mechanisms (early termination) that allow the state to mitigate risks.
1 Speeches Analyzed