Agenda Profile: Andres Metsoja
Draft law amending the Construction Code Act, the Administrative Cooperation Act, and the Water Act (531 SE) – third reading
2025-03-26
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
Our political position involves moderate support for increasing the autonomy of local municipalities when issuing drilling permits. Simultaneously, we strongly oppose the proposed regulation of the ODEX drilling method, as it is disproportionately expensive and based on incomplete analysis. The focus remains on the substantive correctness and economic impact of the policy, prioritizing the avoidance of costs for citizens and businesses.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the Water Act, groundwater quality, bureaucracy reduction, and drilling technologies (e.g., the ODEX method, vibration, and percussion). Emphasis is placed on the necessity of statistical data to justify the regulation, and reference is made to the roles of the Environmental Board and the Groundwater Commission.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is analytical and critical, yet formal. Logical arguments are employed, highlighting the absence of statistical data and the incomplete nature of the analysis, while repeatedly questioning what the proposed change is truly intended to prevent. The tone expresses concern regarding the economic implications of the regulation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in the legislative process, citing participation in committee work and the submission of questions aimed at obtaining statistical data. Previous spirited debates during the second reading of the draft bill are also mentioned.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at the part of the draft bill concerning the restriction of drilling methods, criticizing the incomplete nature of the process and the lack of proper analysis. The intensity of the opposition is high, as the Isamaa faction confirms it cannot support the legal amendment. The criticism is leveled against the regulators who are implementing the rules but are unable to provide the necessary statistical evidence.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Openness to cooperation regarding the increase in the autonomy of local governments is expressed, noting that the Isamaa party has no objection to this. However, a willingness to cooperate on the specific regulation is lacking because the necessary analysis and statistics have not been presented, and the proposed changes are deemed incomprehensible.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation that affects the jurisdiction and operations of local governments (LG) in the context of drinking water availability. There is no specific regional emphasis; instead, the general streamlining of the bureaucratic space is being addressed.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspective is heavily focused on reducing the regulatory burden and keeping costs under control. There is opposition to changes that would make the establishment of drilled wells many times more expensive for households and businesses without sufficient justification. The objective of reducing bureaucracy is supported.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is on ensuring the quality and availability of drinking water for households. It is noted that the state and local governments have been forced to intervene and assist many households due to persistent drinking water issues. Consequently, imposing costly restrictions is deemed unacceptable.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft amendment (531 SE) to the Building Code, the Administrative Cooperation Act, and the Water Act. The speaker opposes the draft, highlighting the contradictions between the stated goal of reducing bureaucracy and the regulation of drilling methods.
1 Speeches Analyzed