Agenda Profile: Eero Merilind
Continuation of the second reading of the draft law amending the Child Protection Act and other laws (427 SE)
2024-12-03
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The most crucial issue is the clarification of the process for reassessing restrictions on working with children and ensuring child safety. The speaker strongly supports the draft regulation, stressing that it is sound and does not jeopardize a child's safety, while refuting claims regarding the legalization of pedophilia. The political position is strongly policy- and value-driven, focusing on the clarity of the law and the obligation to protect children.
24 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of the provisions of the Child Protection Act (LasteKS) and the Penal Code (KarS), referring to specific sections (§ 20, § 145) and procedural deadlines (60 days). The expertise is strongly supported by legal sources, including an opinion from the law firm Ellex Raidla, which he personally commissioned to ensure the interpretation of the law. He consistently reiterates that the conviction for pedophilia is not subject to expungement and the prohibition on working with children is lifelong.
24 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is formal, procedural, and strongly defensive, repeatedly employing the phrase "I remind you once again" in response to recurring questions. The arguments presented are almost exclusively logical and legal, citing statutes and legal opinions to rebut objections. The tone remains calm yet resolute, focusing squarely on the facts and the progression of the procedure.
24 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active leader of the legislative process (the lead rapporteur), providing an overview of the bill's procedural history and future plans (continuation of the second reading, third reading on December 11th). He took the initiative to commission a legal opinion (on November 1st) after the previous reading was suspended, in order to ensure certainty in the interpretation of the draft legislation. He has participated in several committee meetings where the topic was discussed.
24 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the EKRE faction and Riina Solman, who submitted amendments. EKRE’s proposal to exclude Section 2 from the draft bill, citing the danger of legalizing pedophilia, was rejected as an unfounded fear. Riina Solman’s proposals (for instance, the obligation to request an assessment from the Prosecutor’s Office) were not supported, as they would create an unreasonable administrative burden. The criticism is aimed at both the political claims (legalization) and the procedural proposals (the burden).
24 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker works within the framework of the steering committee, where amendments were discussed and voted upon, with the voting results being presented (e.g., members who voted for or against the EKRE proposal). He/She emphasizes cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Justice and relies on external legal opinion. Although the discussion was lengthy, the committee stood firm on its position and rejected the proposals that failed to gain support.
24 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Insufficient data
24 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
24 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker is intensely focused on the topic of child safety and protection, repeatedly affirming that pedophiles (individuals who have committed an offense under § 145 of the Penal Code) are prohibited from working with children, even if the sentence has expired and the data has been transferred to the archives. They emphasize that the Estonian state has an obligation to protect children stemming from the Constitution and international conventions. They reject proposals that would expand the list of crimes for which the restriction remains in effect, citing a lack of commission support.
24 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the processing of the Draft Act amending the Child Protection Act and other laws (Bill 427 SE). The goal is to clarify the procedure for reassessing restrictions on working with children, not to create new grounds for imposing restrictions. The speaker is the leading sponsor of the bill, who is conducting the second reading and preparing for the final vote.
24 Speeches Analyzed