Session Profile: Andres Metsoja
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-03-19
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to Draft Bill 531, proposing that the second reading be halted. The criticism centers on the reduction of administrative burden being disproportionate and concealing actual problems, such as the skyrocketing cost of drilled wells and the deterioration of access to clean water in sparsely populated areas. The framework is strongly policy- and results-driven, highlighting the negative socio-economic consequences of the legislation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in water management and drilling technologies (such as the ODEX method and percussion-rotary drilling), citing positions taken by the Groundwater Commission and various legal analyses. They utilize specific data regarding the number of boreholes (1,500–2,000 per year) and their cost (5,000–6,000 euros per well), highlighting the economic impact. The speaker is also familiar with the Rural Settlement Water Program and the effects of mining operations on groundwater.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is analytical, questioning, and critical, emphasizing logical argumentation, the requirement of proportionality, and transparency. It repeatedly uses rhetorical questions ("Excuse me, but what exactly are we doing then?") and refers to the requirements set by the Chancellor of Justice regarding the thoroughness of the legislator. The tone is skeptical towards the government's alleged objectives, accusing them of creating a "veil."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in committee work, referencing the repeated raising of questions and the reading of minutes within the Environmental Committee. They also mention the Groundwater Committee meeting multiple times and their awareness of the longer implementation deadlines requested by businesses.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed against the bill initiated by the Government of the Republic, citing duplicity and insufficient impact analysis. It criticizes those who use the argument of reducing administrative burden as a "smokescreen" to avoid substantive discussion regarding the prohibition of drilling methods and the related costs. Furthermore, the state's inconsistent attitude toward local governments is criticized (specifically, concerning land tax versus the right to decide on mining operations).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the need to listen to stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and interested parties, referencing collaboration with the law firm (Jõks's Sorainen office). Although a thorough discussion took place in the committee, the speaker is ultimately opposed to the government's draft bill, demanding transparency and clarity.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
There is a strong regional focus on the issues faced by sparsely populated areas, particularly concerning the availability of clean drinking water and the contamination of shallow wells. This directly relates to the funding and conditions of the national Scattered Settlement Water Program, underscoring the point that the draft legislation will degrade the quality of life in rural regions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspective focuses on keeping regulatory burdens and costs in check, particularly for consumers and small businesses. It criticizes the draft legislation that would significantly increase the cost of drilled wells and demands greater clarity and a longer implementation period for businesses concerning the bidding rounds of the dispersed settlement program.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus centers on ensuring access to clean, high-quality drinking water in sparsely populated areas, which is essential for maintaining quality of life. It stresses that the construction of drilled wells is imperative due to the contamination of existing dug wells, and warns that the proposed bill will degrade the water and overall living quality of households.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is on opposing Draft Bill 531, which seeks to amend the Building Code, the Administrative Cooperation Act, and the Water Act. The speaker is acting in the role of the opposer, demanding that the second reading be suspended and stressing that the legislator must be thorough and avoid concealing important regulations (for example, the prohibition of the drilling method) in subordinate legislation.
2 Speeches Analyzed