Session Profile: Andres Metsoja
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
2024-10-16
Political Position
The political position is highly critical of the government's vague and contradictory reforms in the field of internal security. They particularly object to the transfer of functions to local municipalities without a clear mandate or adequate funding, as well as the ineffective budgetary decisions made during the crisis. These stances are primarily results-oriented, focusing on the lack of efficiency and comprehensive planning.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the administrative area of internal security, detailing the redistribution of functions (the sobering-up service) between the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA), the prison service, and local municipalities. Specific data is used regarding personnel requirements (15 people) and the sums of money moving between ministries (135,000 euros). Furthermore, the speaker is aware of specific infrastructure projects (the Võru shooting range) and training bases (the Paikuse Police School).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is direct and questioning, expressing confusion and criticism toward the government’s plans, noting that the situation is “confused and just getting messier by the minute.” The tone is worried and demands straightforward answers, emphasizing logical contradictions (e.g., social worker versus prison guard) and the lack of a holistic vision. The speaker stresses the difficulty of explaining the government’s decisions to their constituents.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data shows active participation in posing questions to the minister during the plenary session, focusing consecutively on three related topics.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at the government and the minister, focusing on political and procedural deficiencies, particularly the ambiguous distribution of powers and the inefficient use of budget funds during the crisis. The opposition is policy-driven, questioning the legal foundation and economic viability of the reforms.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The data rather points to a contradictory role (questioning the minister), but the need for cooperation between local governments and state institutions is mentioned (joining forces), which is currently considered unclearly mandated and funded.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus is placed on Pärnu County, mentioning the Pärnu city sobering-up station service and opposing the closure of the Paikuse police school. The speaker emphasized the difficulty of explaining the government's decisions to Pärnu County voters. Võru was also mentioned in the context of investments in its shooting range.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Budgetary perspectives emphasize economy and fiscal discipline during a crisis, opposing impractical investments (e.g., building a new shooting range while simultaneously closing an existing base). An important stance is that the transfer of functions to local governments must always be accompanied by sufficient financial coverage ("money must always follow").
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In the social sector, the organization of the sobering-up station service is being addressed, highlighting the conflict between the service's social (social worker) and security/custodial (prison guard) approaches. This points to concern over whether the reorganization of the service will help people "get back on the right track" or if it will focus primarily on detention.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the critical monitoring of state budget expenditure items and administrative reforms within the internal security sector. The speaker acts as a challenger and scrutinizer of the government’s action plans and budget decisions, particularly concerning the transfer of functions and funding between ministries and local authorities.
3 Speeches Analyzed