Agenda Profile: Andres Metsoja
Second reading of the bill amending the Hunting Act (553 SE)
2025-05-06
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The most crucial topic is the amendment of the Hunting Act, which was necessitated by circumstances and a court ruling that suspended wolf hunting. The political stance is moderately supportive of the necessity to manage large predators, especially wolves, as the species is in a favorable conservation status and is encroaching upon areas of human activity. The framing is heavily policy- and administration-based, focusing on balancing the species' status and human activity.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a high level of expertise in the environmental and hunting sectors, serving as the Deputy Chairman of the Environmental Committee. Specific terminology is employed, such as "the species is in a favorable status," "food chain issues," and reference is made to legally mandated structures (councils, expert groups). The question of wolf management and the limits of nature conservation is addressed particularly thoroughly within the context of Soomaa.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, analytical, and measured. The speaker uses logical arguments, acknowledging the complexity of the topic and the lack of solutions ("there are no good solutions"). The tone is constructive, but includes slight procedural criticism directed at the coalition regarding the speed of action. A fact-based explanation is preferred over an emotional appeal.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in the legislative process, participating as the Vice-Chair of the Environment Committee during the second reading of the bill and correcting a procedural error made by the presiding officer of the session. They refer to extensive work engaging stakeholders and multiple hearings held with specialists in the field of hunting.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism targets the coalition's inaction and sluggishness (they should have been "more proactive and quicker") in initiating the legislative amendment following the court ruling. Simultaneously, the role of the opposition (the Isamaa faction) in submitting the necessary draft legislation for deliberation is recognized. The criticism is procedural, not personal.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the extensive and active cooperation with stakeholders, noting that engagement was sometimes even multi-layered, involving specialists from the hunting sector. He/She also refers to the inter-factional pre-debate that arises during the collection of signatures. Finally, he/she thanks them for the support, referencing the cooperation within the chamber.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is specifically directed at the Soomaa region, addressing the local nature conservation strategy, bog restoration, and the conflict between grazing and the presence of large predators. This emphasizes the concerns of local livestock owners and the limitations imposed on economic activity in the floodplains.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data. (The problems of livestock farming and haymaking in Soomaa are addressed, but only in the context of nature conservation and predator damage, not as broader economic policy viewpoints.)
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data. (All topics covered are related to environmental and hunting regulation.)
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the second reading of the draft Act amending the Hunting Act (553 SE), the goal of which is to restore the ability to manage wolf populations. The speaker is a strong proponent and procedural manager of the bill (Vice-Chairman of the Environment Committee), stressing the necessity for legislative intervention.
2 Speeches Analyzed