Session Profile: Marko Mihkelson
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-03-06
Political Position
The political position focuses on strengthening the foreign service, which is undeniably considered a very important goal. The speaker supports the current version of the draft bill, deeming it superior to previous attempts that the president failed to enact. The focus is on the quality of the policy and a thorough legislative process. The stance reflects moderately strong support.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the Foreign Service Act and parliamentary rules of procedure, citing the bill's long preparation process and a prior presidential veto. Detailed information is provided concerning committee sittings, the number of questions posed (15), and the officials involved, all of which underscores a thorough command of the subject matter. Specific legal terminology is employed, such as "authorizing norm" and "representative of the lead committee."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly formal, neutral, and procedural, concentrating on the reporting of facts and the work of the commission. The speaker employs complex legislative terminology and appeals to logic, underscoring thorough preparation and consensus-based decisions. Emotional or personal appeals are entirely absent.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active representative of the Steering Committee, reporting on the pace of work of the Riigikogu Foreign Affairs Committee. They specifically mentioned the dates of the sittings (February 12 and February 21). They have been designated as the presenter of the draft bill to the Plenary Assembly and are deeply involved in the procedural details of the bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Opposition is absent. The speaker is focused on cooperation and consensus, neither mentioning any opposing party nor criticizing previous decisions (including the presidential veto).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is strongly consensus-based and open, repeatedly emphasizing that all decisions within the steering committee were made by consensus. Cooperation was also undertaken with other Riigikogu committees (the Social Affairs Committee) and the Riigikogu Legal and Analysis Department to ensure the thoroughness of the draft bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on international issues (strengthening the foreign service) and the national legislative process. Local or regional issues are absent.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views relate to national expenditures in foreign service, focusing on limiting the amount of compensation for an accompanying working spouse or registered partner based on their earned income. This indicates an interest in the regulation of state subsidies and benefits and potential fiscal discipline.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues addressed is the social and economic status of accompanying family members (including registered partners) of foreign service employees. The objective is to regulate their compensation and the reimbursement of expenses, ensuring equal treatment for both spouses and registered partners.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on amending the Foreign Service Act (Draft Bill 353), the objective of which is to strengthen the service. The speaker is a representative of the leading committee and a strong proponent of the draft bill, concentrating on concluding the proceedings and clarifying legal issues, such as the empowerment provision.
1 Speeches Analyzed