Agenda Profile: Henn Põlluaas
Draft law amending the Foreign Relations Act and, in consequence, amending other acts (385 SE), third reading
2025-04-16
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
A politician stands firmly against the amendment to the Foreign Relations Act (385 SE), which restricts the Parliament's right to initiate the denunciation of foreign treaties. His position is principle-based, emphasizing the need to preserve the balance of powers, parliamentary oversight, and the legislative independence of the Riigikogu, thereby preventing it from becoming a "rubber stamp" for the government. He stresses that the Riigikogu's mandate supersedes the government's mandate, and the democratic process must be maintained.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in constitutional law and the handling of international agreements, precisely citing articles of the Constitution (§ 59, 65, 87, 121) and provisions of the Foreign Relations Act. Particular emphasis is placed on the exclusive competence of the Riigikogu in the ratification and denunciation of treaties, and the role of the legislature in creating public law obligations. He supports his arguments by referencing previous criticism concerning the Riigikogu's role, voiced by the Chancellor of Justice and the Auditor General.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, serious, and critical, using strong institutional terms such as "rubber stamp" and "balance of powers." The appeal is primarily logical and constitutional, relying on legal arguments and the institutional framework. Emotional language is used to emphasize the threat of curtailing the rights of parliament.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the government (the executive branch), which stands accused of restricting the Riigikogu’s authority and effectively abolishing the legislative power. The criticism is intense, centering on procedural and constitutional violations, and alleges that the government is seeking sole jurisdiction. This resistance is specifically directed at Bill 385, which curtails the rights of the Riigikogu.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is representing the position of the Isamaa party and is calling on other Riigikogu members to reject Bill 385, thereby seeking support on the issue of protecting parliamentary rights. He emphasizes that Isamaa has no issues with the bill in other respects, which points to a selectively oppositional, but not totally hostile, stance.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is exclusively on the national and international levels, addressing constitutional competences and the denunciation of international agreements.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic positions are confined to stressing that the Riigikogu must possess exclusive authority over international treaties whose implementation involves state budgetary expenditures. This highlights the necessity of parliamentary fiscal oversight regarding the state's financial commitments.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on opposing Draft Bill 385 SE, as it limits the Riigikogu's legislative authority regarding the initiation of foreign treaty denunciations. A broader priority is protecting Parliament's competence and mandate against the excessive centralization of executive power. In this instance, he/she is an opponent of the bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed