Agenda Profile: Marko Mihkelson
Second reading of the Draft Act amending the Foreign Service Act and amending other related acts (Bill 353 SE)
2024-06-13
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session.
Political Position
The political focus is on supporting and processing the draft bill for amending the Foreign Service Act (353 SE). The position is strongly supportive, emphasizing the need to ensure the "family well-being" of officials serving on foreign assignments and to create more favorable conditions for their spouses. The policy is aimed at maintaining the leading edge of the Estonian foreign service within the European context. The organizational framework is centered on policy and legislative procedure.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the legislative procedure, particularly concerning the work and schedules of the Foreign Affairs Committee, utilizing terminology such as "lead committee" and "deadline for submitting amendments." Expertise is clear in the field of the Foreign Service Act and personnel policy, focusing on family support allowances for employees serving on foreign missions. Specific details are mentioned, such as the involvement of ministry lawyers and the Director General of the Personnel Department.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, substantive, and procedural, particularly when communicating commission decisions, emphasizing consensus-based and rational solutions. The tone is explanatory and appreciative, referring to the topic as "very important" and the previous decision as "a very good decision." The appeals are primarily logical, grounded in the committee's work and the long-term discussion of the draft bill.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in the legislative process, attending sessions of the Foreign Affairs Committee and submitting procedural reports to the plenary session. Their activity patterns involve setting specific dates and deadlines (June 3 Committee session, June 12 second reading, September 11 third reading). The speaker serves as the representative for the lead committee.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct opposition or criticism concerning the current adversaries. While there is a mention of an earlier procedural impediment, where the then-President of the Republic was compelled not to promulgate the law, this is presented as a resolved historical issue.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The working style is highly consensual, emphasizing that all procedural decisions within the Foreign Affairs Committee were reached "by consensus." Close cooperation was maintained with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the committee's amendments were formulated based on their feedback. The speaker also commends the contribution and questions raised by colleagues (Maria, Raimond).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation and the international level, addressing the Estonian foreign service and its position within the European context. There is absolutely no reference to local or regional issues within Estonia.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker supports social measures designed to ensure the family well-being and basic state support for the spouse or registered partner of officials serving abroad. The positive role of the Marriage Equality Act in resolving earlier partnership issues is highlighted, thereby supporting a broad definition of partnership when it comes to state benefits.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the processing and finalization of the Draft Act amending the Foreign Service Act (353 SE). The speaker is a proponent of the draft and, as a representative of the leading committee, is driving the proceedings, focusing on making the conditions more favorable and postponing the entry into force date until January 1, 2025.
3 Speeches Analyzed