Session Profile: Marko Mihkelson
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-03-19
Political Position
The speaker strongly supports the draft amendments to the Foreign Relations Act, stressing its significance in coordinating foreign relations. This political stance is robustly underpinned by legal and constitutional arguments, particularly concerning adherence to the principle of separation of powers when denouncing international treaties. The representative confirms the Reform Party's support for the further processing of the bill and the conclusion of the second reading.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in foreign policy legislation and parliamentary procedural rules, citing specific dates and committee decisions. This expertise encompasses the legal aspects of development cooperation, humanitarian aid, the recovery of foreign grants, and the denunciation of international treaties. Particular emphasis is placed on their knowledge of the Constitution (Article 87) and the principle of separation of powers concerning the initiation of foreign agreements.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaking style is extremely formal, procedural, and explanatory, focusing on a detailed overview of the bill's legislative process and the results of the committee's work. The tone is measured and neutral, appealing primarily to logical and legal arguments to justify the committee's decisions. Extensive technical legislative language is employed, avoiding emotional appeals.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker has been highly active in the work of the Foreign Affairs Committee, providing a precise overview of several sittings (e.g., November 27, 2024, March 10 and 11, 2025) and the procedural timeline since May 2024. This pattern of activity demonstrates thorough and time-intensive legislative work, involving the engagement of ministries and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The representative is actively working on concluding the second reading of the draft bill and preparing for the third reading.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker is responding directly to a question raised by colleague Urmas Reinsalu regarding the exclusion of the provision for the denunciation of the agreement from the draft bill. The opposition to Reinsalu’s proposal is legally justified, citing the principle of the separation of powers and the constitutional provisions that assign the implementation of foreign policy to the executive branch. The opposition was firm, as the committee found that there was no need to support the proposed amendment.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker describes extensive cooperation with both government institutions and members of the commission, mentioning the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, and Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. The cooperation involved receiving amendments from the ministries and requesting the assessment of the Government of the Republic regarding the commission's proposals. Procedural decisions were made within the commission based on votes and consensus.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker’s focus is on international relations, particularly concerning development cooperation and humanitarian aid. A significant regional emphasis is placed on Taiwan, as changes are necessary to promote closer trade and economic ties and to establish the prerequisites for setting up territorial government representations.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspectives focus on promoting international trade and economic cooperation, particularly by strengthening ties with Taiwan. Furthermore, regulatory issues concerning the recovery of foreign aid are being addressed, highlighting the importance of fiscal discipline and effective grant management.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the adoption of amendments to the Foreign Relations Act (Draft 385), which regulates development cooperation, foreign aid, and the establishment of foreign representations. The speaker is a strong proponent of the draft bill and, on behalf of the committee, is leading the proceedings, with the goal of concluding the second reading and holding the final vote on April 9, 2025. A significant achievement is the establishment of preconditions for strengthening relations with Taiwan.
4 Speeches Analyzed