Session Profile: Andres Metsoja
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-08
Political Position
The political focus is heavily centered on mitigating regional disparities and guaranteeing the quality of essential services, particularly in rural and sparsely populated regions. The speaker views data connectivity as an essential service and harshly criticizes the government for failing to impose quality assurance obligations on market participants during the frequency tenders for rural areas. Furthermore, preventative social policy is highlighted, specifically by linking physical activity to addressing mental health issues.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the communications and information technology sector, utilizing terminology such as broadband, carrier aggregation, radio links, and spectrum auctions. Furthermore, they possess a detailed grasp of planning procedures (including detailed and comprehensive plans) and environmental impact assessment (EIA), specifically covering preliminary impact assessments for Natura areas and the implications of the Nature Conservation Act.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker’s style is analytical, detailed, and critical, using arguments grounded in market and regulatory failures. They employ memorable and emotional language (e.g., "to run home to the top of a pine tree to talk") and criticize the state for lacking a "demanding master." The tone is formal, yet demanding in substance, and they also requested additional time to present their viewpoints thoroughly.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active during the session, submitting questions and expressing views on the same day concerning the social sector, communications infrastructure, security, and planning procedures. He focuses heavily on requests for clarification directed at the ministers and the detailed dissection of draft legislation.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The sharpest criticism is aimed at the state's inaction and regulatory failures, particularly concerning frequency auctions where market participants were not assigned mandatory obligations. Telecommunications companies are also criticized for exploiting their monopolistic position in sparsely populated areas, raising prices while offering poor quality service.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker primarily acts as an interrogator and critic, seeking clarification and drawing attention to gaps in legislation. Although he is critical of the state’s activities, he supports initiatives that benefit consumers and improve competition. He proposes concrete solutions (e.g., installing broadband cables in wind turbines).
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly directed at the problems of sparsely populated and rural areas, emphasizing the lack of coverage and the absence of service provider choice. Specific regional security issues are also mentioned, such as the theft of border markers on Lake Peipus.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker advocates a market-based approach where the customer is king, but demands strong state intervention regarding essential services where markets are inefficient or monopolistic. He supports consumer protection and enhancing competition, and requires market participants to fulfill their obligations even in less profitable areas.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker emphasizes the connections between the social sector and health, supporting the promotion of physical activity as an inexpensive and important preventative measure against mental health problems. They note the problem concerning the free accessibility of physical activity for children and the shift towards needs-based support.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker's priorities relate to the regulation of communication quality, amendments to the Planning Act (procedures for general and detailed plans), and tightening environmental impact assessments in Natura areas. The speaker actively demands detailed explanations regarding draft legislation and poses critical questions.
8 Speeches Analyzed