Agenda Profile: Marko Mihkelson
First reading of the Draft Act on the Amendment of the Foreign Service Act and the Amendment of Other Acts in Connection Therewith (353 SE)
2024-03-06
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly supportive of the bill (353 SE) aimed at strengthening the foreign service. Emphasis is placed on the long-term and thorough preparation of the draft, noting its improved wording compared to the earlier version, which the president failed to promulgate. The viewpoint is distinctly policy- and procedure-centric, focusing on the quality of the legislation and the correctness of the process.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise regarding the working procedures of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the specifics of the Foreign Service Act. Technical terms such as "delegation rule" are employed, and the consultation process with the Riigikogu Legal and Analysis Department and the Social Affairs Committee is described in detail. This expertise is directed toward ensuring the thoroughness of the legislative process.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly formal, substantive, and procedural, focusing on the detailed reporting of the work of the Riigikogu Foreign Affairs Committee. The discourse is logic-based, avoiding emotional appeals and emphasizing factual information (dates, the number of questions, consensus decisions). The tone is neutral and informative.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity demonstrates active involvement in the committee's work, including thorough preparation (15 questions) and precise references to the session dates (February 12, February 21). The speaker acts as a representative of the lead committee, reporting the committee's consensus decisions to the plenary.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no opposition. The speech focuses exclusively on supporting the draft bill and emphasizing the consensus achieved in the committee.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is highly consensus-driven, with repeated emphasis that all committee decisions—including the scheduling of the draft bill and the conclusion of the first reading—were reached by consensus. A willingness is demonstrated to consult with other Riigikogu committees (the Social Affairs Committee) and departments (the Legal and Analysis Department) to resolve legal matters.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is entirely at the national and international level, addressing amendments to the Estonian Foreign Service Act and the work of foreign missions. Local or regional topics are absent.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There are no economic views presented, apart from the procedural question concerning the limitation of compensation for an accompanying working spouse based on earned income. This indicates attention is being paid to managing foreign service expenditures and clarifying financial standards.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Only one social issue is addressed: the limitation of compensation for the accompanying spouses or registered partners of foreign service officials. This matter was submitted as a technical legal clarification, and the opinion of the Social Affairs Committee was requested regarding it.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on supporting and processing the draft amendment to the Foreign Service Act (Bill 353 SE). Emphasis is placed on thorough preparation, achieving consensus, and the necessity of seeking opinions from the Social Affairs Committee and the Legal and Analysis Department to ensure the correctness of the authorization norms and the rules for covering costs. The objective is to conclude the first reading of the bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed