Agenda Profile: Marko Mihkelson
Draft law amending the Act on Foreign Relations and amending other acts in consequence (385 SE) – second reading
2025-03-19
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is one of strong support for the amendments to the Foreign Relations Act (Bill 385 SE), stressing the crucial role of this legislation in coordinating foreign relations. This support is policy-driven, focusing on upholding the principle of the separation of powers when denouncing international treaties, and defending the Government of the Republic’s proposal regarding the limitation of the Riigikogu’s right of initiative. On behalf of the Reform Party, the speaker supports concluding the second reading of the bill and moving it to a final vote.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a high level of expertise concerning legislation on foreign relations, as well as the regulation of development cooperation and humanitarian aid. Their knowledge is particularly strong in parliamentary procedure and constitutional law, specifically referencing the principle of separation of powers and Article 87 (points 1, 4, 7) of the Constitution in the context of the denunciation of international treaties. The speaker employs technical language and cites detailed analyses (for instance, the analysis conducted by the Legal Department of the Chancellery of the Riigikogu).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly formal, factual, and procedural, focusing on the detailed description of the procedural process and legal arguments. The tone is measured and, in the second address, defensively explanatory in response to the criticism raised by Urmas Reinsalu. The appeals are exclusively logical, relying on explanatory memoranda, committee voting results, and constitutional provisions.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's pattern of activity is closely tied to the work of the Foreign Affairs Committee, thoroughly detailing several sessions and votes held in 2024 and 2025. It demonstrates active engagement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, and Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. This pattern highlights a comprehensive and drawn-out legislative process.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation arose with colleague Urmas Reinsalu, who raised the question of omitting the provision regarding the denunciation of foreign treaties (Section 1, Point 50 of the draft bill). The opposition to Reinsalu's proposal was strong and was justified using arguments based on policy and constitutional order, claiming that his proposal violates the principle of separation of powers.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style is consensual and institutional, emphasizing successful collaboration among the members of the Foreign Affairs Committee, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Government of the Republic. The Government supported the committee's proposed amendments, demonstrating strong alignment with the executive branch. Decisions within the committee were reached both through voting and by consensus.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on international relations, particularly the regulation of development cooperation and humanitarian aid. Specifically, the need is mentioned to establish preconditions for the creation of representative offices in Estonia for a territorial government or entity, based on a corresponding application. This is directly linked to intensified trade and economic relations with Taiwan.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views are linked to international trade and financial discipline. The speaker supports the creation of legislative preconditions for strengthening economic and trade cooperation (e.g., with Taiwan). The Ministry of Finance’s proposals regarding the provisions for the recovery of foreign grants contained within the Foreign Relations Act were also mentioned, citing the need for fiscal correctness.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is entirely on the amendments to the Foreign Relations Act (Draft 385 SE), as we are a strong proponent and active processor of this bill. Priorities include regulating the sector of development cooperation and humanitarian aid, clarifying the provisions for the recovery of foreign grants, and establishing the necessary prerequisites for the creation of representations of territorial governments in Estonia. Another important objective is ensuring that the procedure for denouncing international treaties is brought into compliance with the Constitution.
4 Speeches Analyzed