Session Profile: Tõnis Mölder
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-08
Political Position
The political stance is strongly aimed at reforming the detailed planning process to establish strict deadlines for local governments and reduce bureaucratic delays. Emphasis is placed on the need to start calculating deadlines from the submission of the application, rather than the initiation, citing the lengthy delays experienced in Tallinn. The position is clearly policy- and efficiency-centric, seeking to balance the costs incurred by businesses and the right of residents to have a say.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound technical expertise in planning law, detailing the interrelationships and legal constraints concerning detailed plans, comprehensive plans, and design specifications. Serving authoritatively as the co-rapporteur for the Economic Affairs Committee, he/she is capable of explaining the objectives of the legislative amendments, such as factoring in climate change and implementing state oversight of local municipalities.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, analytical, and procedural, making it appropriate for legislative debate and committee reports. It employs logical arguments and references to legal provisions, while also posing clarifying questions to the minister and requesting the analysis of complex legal situations. The tone is objective and focuses on facts and procedural issues.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in legislative work, having participated in and delivered reports at two sessions of the Economic Affairs Committee (September 15 and 22). They will present in the plenary session as a co-rapporteur, which demonstrates regular and structured participation in the law-making process. They also refer to upcoming discussions in committees and working groups scheduled between readings.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main indirect criticism is aimed at the inefficiency of local governments, particularly the City of Tallinn, in handling detailed planning applications, which has caused processes to drag on for up to two decades. The criticism is procedural and focuses on deficiencies in administrative capacity, which results in costs for businesses.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasized cooperation, citing the consensus decisions reached in the Economic Affairs Committee regarding bringing the draft bill to the plenary session and concluding the first reading. He/She demonstrated openness to further discussions, noting that various parliamentary factions and interest groups have expressed interest in being involved.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The main focus is on national legislation, but as a regional example, attention is drawn to the long-term stalling of the planning processes in the city of Tallinn, with which the speaker has been closely involved for 15 years. Also discussed are the possibilities of nationwide thematic plans, such as those concerning onshore wind farms.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports economic efficiency and regulatory simplification, stressing that the protraction of planning processes generates significant costs for businesses. The objective is to accelerate development activities and processes that incentivize investment by establishing concrete time limits for local municipalities.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
When it comes to social issues, emphasis is placed on ensuring that individuals affected by the planning processes are able to voice their opinions promptly and participate meaningfully. This specifically relates to shortening the notification deadlines, while simultaneously guaranteeing the opportunity for substantive involvement.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the reform of the Planning Act, which aims to establish time limits for local municipalities and improve the regulations governing amendments to planning documents. The speaker is an active proponent of this draft legislation and is leading the process as the co-rapporteur for the Economic Affairs Committee, also stressing the necessity of factoring climate change into planning.
3 Speeches Analyzed