Agenda Profile: Irja Lutsar
First reading of the draft resolution "Establishment of a Riigikogu investigative committee to assess the risks associated with modified mRNA COVID-19 vaccines" (557 OE)
2025-03-13
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is firmly opposed to draft resolution 557 OE, which concerns the formation of a Riigikogu investigative committee on the topic of mRNA vaccines, thereby supporting the leading committee's decision to reject the proposal (Eesti 200). This stance is policy-based, emphasizing that the regulation and evaluation of medicines fall under the competence of the State Agency of Medicines, not politicians. At the same time, the speaker acknowledges a previous error concerning COVID passes, referencing their own compiled summary of lessons learned from the pandemic.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates specific knowledge in the field of pharmaceuticals and regulation, using terms such as mRNA technology, validated laboratory tests, and viral vector vaccines. They rely on data, referencing statistics from the Estonian Agency of Medicines (side effects 0.2–0.3%) and emphasizing that vaccines have saved millions of lives worldwide. The speaker defends the scientific consensus, citing the awarding of the Nobel Prize to the developers of mRNA technology.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, logical, and authoritative, focusing on facts, procedures, and scientific competence. The speaker asks direct questions and challenges the opposing side's claims due to a lack of arguments, labeling any doubt regarding the impartiality of the Agency of Medicines' experts as malicious. The appeal is directed toward rationality and trust in institutions, not emotions.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker took an active role in the debate, delivering both an extended presentation and asking three questions to challenge the opposition's arguments and defend their own stance. They referenced their prior work, specifically a summary of the lessons learned from the pandemic that they had compiled (with a group), recommending that the opposing side read its contents.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is with the proponents of the draft bill, whose competence and arguments are being questioned, given that the Riigikogu (Parliament) is not the appropriate venue for evaluating pharmaceuticals. Criticism is also aimed at those who doubt the impartiality of the experts at the State Agency of Medicines, which the speaker deems malicious in the absence of clear evidence. A compromise is ruled out due to the support for rejecting the bill, and the opposing side is advised to address the State Agency of Medicines directly.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker refers to previous cooperation ("the summary compiled by the group") and expresses a clear political alignment, supporting the position of the Eesti 200 faction in rejecting the draft bill. He/She recommends that the opposing side turn to the Estonian and European Medicines Agencies for cooperation and to obtain answers, emphasizing the need for scientific competence.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is divided between the national level (Estonian Agency of Medicines, Estonian data, Estonian Immunization Committee) and the international/supranational level (European Medicines Agency, European Union, Nobel Committee). It is emphasized that the EU's control over medicines is strict, and activities must be in line with international science.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient information
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues discussed are the pandemic-era measures, with the acknowledgement that COVID passes were a mistake. It is also stressed that vaccination has never been mandatory in Estonia, and it is mentioned that children tolerated the vaccines better than adults, thus addressing aspects of public health and social policy.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the rejection of Riigikogu Draft Resolution 557 OE, concerning the establishment of an investigative committee regarding mRNA vaccines. The speaker is a strong opponent, emphasizing that the legislative body lacks the scientific competence to evaluate and remove medicines from the market, which is the responsibility of the State Agency of Medicines.
4 Speeches Analyzed