Agenda Profile: Mati Raidma
Second Reading of the Draft Act on the Amendment of the State Fee Act and the Amendment of Other Related Acts (417 SE)
2024-06-06
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance strongly supports raising state fees, based on the cost-recovery principle, given that the rates have remained unchanged for 10–15 years. An exception was made regarding the fees for firearms permits, taking into account security considerations and the role hunters play in fulfilling national duties. This position is heavily driven by policy and cost considerations.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates significant expertise in the legislative process and in justifying the cost-basis of state fees, providing detailed data on the committee's voting results. He/She relies on the Ministry of the Interior's explanations regarding the actual cost of the procedures and the logistics of issuing documents via expedited procedures (e.g., halting the production line, express courier service).
9 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, neutral, and procedural, characteristic of a commission representative describing discussions and procedural decisions. Logical appeals are employed, emphasizing cost-basis and ministerial explanations, while avoiding emotionality, although it is conceded that raising fees is a "difficult decision."
9 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The operational focus has been on legislative work, providing a detailed overview of two committee sessions (May 28 and June 3) during which amendments and submissions from interest groups were addressed. The speaker's role is to convey the positions held by the committee majority and the procedural steps taken.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Center Party and Isamaa factions, whose proposed amendments were rejected. The Center Party is being criticized because they did not offer alternative reduced rates, but instead sought to withdraw the proposed changes to the bill entirely.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative approach demonstrates openness to the views of interest groups (the Estonian Hunters' Society, the Estonian Gun Owners' Association), resulting in the initiation of a consensus-based committee amendment proposal to reduce gun permit fees. Close cooperation was maintained with representatives of the Ministry of the Interior to justify the costs.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives stress strict fiscal discipline and the cost-recovery principle for state fees, pointing out that even the raised rates do not fully cover the costs. The high fee for expedited documents is justified by the necessity of preventing the service from being used merely for convenience.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The rights of gun owners and their role in security were discussed, leading to a reduction in gun permit fees. This reduction was made in recognition of the role gun owners play in the security realm and the additional duties undertaken by hunters. The state fee for marriage registration was also briefly touched upon, but the proposal to abolish this fee was rejected.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on amending the State Fees Act (Bill 417 SE), specifically concentrating on adjusting the state fees under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Interior (identity documents and firearms permits). The speaker is a proponent of the draft legislation and the person responsible for conducting the proceedings, ensuring the conclusion of the second reading and scheduling the final vote for June 12.
9 Speeches Analyzed