Agenda Profile: Heljo Pikhof
Continuation of the first reading of the Draft Act (682 SE) on the Ratification of the Agreement between the Republic of Estonia and the Kingdom of Sweden concerning the Execution of Prison Sentences of the Kingdom of Sweden in the Republic of Estonia
2025-11-05
15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position is one of strong opposition to the government's plan to ratify the agreement to bring Swedish prisoners to Estonia, particularly sex offenders and murderers. This stance is value-based and security-focused, stressing that Estonia's internal security must not be sacrificed for a business deal. The Social Democrats advocate for Estonia to be a protected and defended country, where security is based on trust, not risky experiments.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise on the subject of internal security and resource allocation, citing hundreds of unfilled positions within the PPA (Police and Border Guard Board) and a personnel shortage in the prison service. The text also highlights the overburdened healthcare system and the lack of specialists (doctors, psychologists) needed to treat complex inmates. Their arguments are supported by references to the concerns raised by the Director General of the PPA, the Prosecutor General, and the South Estonian police chief.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, critical, and emotionally charged, accusing the government of deliberate manipulation and the commodification of security. Repeated emphasis and rhetorical questions are used to underscore the threats to security and reputation. The speech concludes with a powerful, value-driven appeal: "Estonia is not a prison; Estonia is home to all of us."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
No data available
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the government, which is sharply criticized for replacing internal security with a business agreement and for filling Tartu prison with Swedish murderers. The criticism is policy- and value-based, accusing the government of weakening the system and diminishing the public's sense of security. The government's business plan is being called a favorable export service for Sweden's problems.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style focuses on the use of external expert opinion, citing the concerns of the Director General of the PPA, the Prosecutor General, KAPO, and the South Estonian police chief to support their opposition to the draft bill. There are no references to cross-party cooperation or a willingness to compromise.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is heavily on South Estonia and Tartu, emphasizing that bringing in Swedish prisoners will worsen the security and reputation of both Tartu and South Estonia. Concern is expressed that Tartu will no longer be a university city, but rather a prison city, and that police patrols will disappear from Tartu, Põlva, and Valga.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic standpoints are highly critical of the government's business plan, which seeks to generate revenue by filling prison capacity. The speaker objects to transforming security and mental health services into a lucrative export service aimed at solving Sweden's problems, stressing that domestic security must not be commodified.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Regarding social issues, emphasis is placed on the priority of internal security, along with the prevention of violence, drug problems, and youth crime in Estonia. Particular concern is raised over the availability of mental health services for Estonian children, which could be negatively affected by the complex treatment required for Swedish prisoners. The security of Estonia’s own residents remains the top priority.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the strong opposition to Draft Bill 682 SE (Ratification of the agreement between Estonia and Sweden on the execution of prison sentences). The speaker opposes the bill, concentrating on its negative impact on internal security and resources.
1 Speeches Analyzed