Session Profile: Andres Metsoja
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-03-26
Political Position
The political stance is strongly state-centric and value-based, defending the reputation of the Estonian state against accusations concerning the citizenship issue and deeming such behavior to be vexatious. In the second debate, the position is policy- and procedure-based. While supporting increased autonomy for local governments, it strongly opposes the proposed amendments to the bill, which the Isamaa faction finds incomprehensible and economically detrimental due to a lack of proper analysis.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates technical expertise in the field of environmental regulation and the construction of groundwater boreholes, using specific terminology such as the ODEX method, the Groundwater Commission, and the Environmental Board. The speaker emphasizes the need for statistics and thorough analysis before establishing regulations, requesting data concerning problems caused by drilling methods.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal and structured, incorporating both emotional appeals (such as condemning the denigration of the state) and detailed logical argumentation concerning the bill's procedure and technical aspects. The speaker is critical and demanding, stressing the importance of substance in the midst of a heated debate and raising rhetorical questions regarding accountability.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The records are limited to two presentations given during a single plenary session, which points to active involvement in debates addressing both social and technical legislative matters. The speaker also participated in the committee's work, where they requested the submission of statistical data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at questions voiced in the Riigikogu chamber, which accuse the Estonian state concerning the issue of citizenship, labeling the situation as infuriating. During the second debate, the bill's proponents were criticized for providing an incomplete analysis and for introducing the regulation (the ban on the ODEX method) in an unclear manner that increases overall costs.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker represents the position of the Isamaa faction, confirming that the faction cannot support the draft amendment to the law. He/She expresses support for increasing the autonomy and decision-making power of local governments, but information regarding cooperation with other political parties is lacking.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is on increasing the competence and autonomy of local governments in processing permits for drilling drinking water wells. The direct impact of regulations on households and businesses dealing with drinking water quality issues is also emphasized.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views emphasize the necessity of reducing bureaucracy and avoiding regulations that make services (such as drilling wells) several times more expensive for households and businesses. The speaker criticizes regulations that prevent the use of economically efficient methods without sufficient justification.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social issue concerning holders of the grey passport is addressed, emphasizing that the failure to acquire citizenship is their own responsibility and omission, not the fault of the state. This position protects the dignity of the state and prioritizes individual responsibility in the process of obtaining citizenship.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the draft regulation concerning the drilling of drinking water wells, where the speaker stands as a critical opponent, arguing that the proposed amendment (the ban on the ODEX method) is incomprehensible and costly due to the incomplete nature of the underlying analysis. He supports streamlining bureaucracy and increasing the authority of local government, but not at the expense of unjust regulations.
2 Speeches Analyzed