Session Profile: Marko Mihkelson
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session.
2024-06-12
Political Position
The politician strongly supports amending the Foreign Service Act (Bill 353) to ensure better support and "family happiness" for the families of officials serving abroad. His approach is policy-driven, emphasizing the need to find rational solutions for complex, long-term issues. He considers the Estonian foreign service to be pioneering in this field compared to other European countries.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the legislative process, providing detailed reports on committee sessions, deadlines for submitting amendments, and the schedule for readings. They are familiar with the specifics of the Foreign Service Act, ministerial feedback, and understand that the proposed amendments will make conditions more favorable for spouses accompanying officials on foreign assignments. Furthermore, they are aware of the historical context of the law, including previous unsuccessful attempts.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, factual, and procedural, particularly when reporting on the commission's work, where numerous procedural terms and dates are employed. The tone is supportive and positive, referring to the topic as "very important" and citing the Marriage Equality Act as a "very good decision." The speaker relies on logical arguments and facts.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in steering the legislation, appearing as the representative of the lead committee to propose the conclusion of the bill's second reading. He/She references specific events, such as the Foreign Affairs Committee session on June 3rd and meetings held with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' legal counsel and Director General. Their pattern of activity demonstrates a focus on ensuring the smooth conduct of the proceedings.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct confrontation or criticism aimed at the opponents. The only thing mentioned is a previous legislative failure, where the then-President of the Republic was forced not to promulgate the law, but this is used to highlight the success of the current solution.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasized the importance of consensus-based cooperation, noting that all procedural decisions within the Foreign Affairs Committee were reached unanimously. Furthermore, there was close collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and five amendments were formulated based on their feedback.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation and the international activities of the Estonian Foreign Service, comparing Estonia's situation with that of other European foreign services. Specific regional or local Estonian topics are absent.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker strongly supports social inclusion and ensuring family well-being, emphasizing the need for the state to provide basic support to the spouses or registered partners of officials working on foreign assignments. He/She positively confirms that the Marriage Equality Act resolved the previous issues related to this.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the deliberation of the Foreign Service Act (Bill 353), as he/she is both a proponent of the bill and the lead coordinator of the process. He/She is currently focused on concluding the bill's second reading and preparing for the third reading, including the introduction of a new effective date (January 1, 2025).
3 Speeches Analyzed