Agenda Profile: Mati Raidma

The political stance is strongly supportive of Draft Bill 417 SE, the objective of which is to bring state fees into alignment with the costs of the corresponding procedures (the cost principle). This position is justified on the grounds of policy and efficiency, stressing that the price increases have been carefully weighed, and the fees often still fall below the actual cost of the service. The bill is supported even in the face of steep increases, such as the rise in the expedited ID card fee from 45 euros to 250 euros, which is rationalized by the benefit provided by the state and the provision of a faster service (two working days).

The speaker demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of state fees and the cost-recovery principle governing administrative procedures, highlighting specific examples of fee changes for identity documents, weapon permits, and birth certificates. They present technical details, referencing the Police and Border Guard Board's (PPA) internal cost assessments (e.g., the cost price of a weapon permit being 195 euros) and explanations provided by ministry officials. The expertise is focused on communicating procedural and financial justifications.

The rhetorical style is formal, procedural, and fact-based, focusing on communicating the legal committee's discussions and procedural decisions. The tone is neutral and explanatory, but when faced with repetitive questions, it becomes slightly pedantic, referencing questioners' tardiness in arriving or the prior handling of the topics. Emotional appeals are not used; the text relies entirely on logical and cost-based arguments.

The speaker is addressing the body as the representative of the lead committee, presenting to the plenary the Legal Affairs Committee's report regarding the first reading of Draft Act 417 SE. The procedure involves summarizing the committee discussions (April 16) and responding to questions (April 30). He/She was appointed as the lead committee's representative by consensus.

No direct criticism is leveled at the opponents, but procedural opposition within the committee (3 votes against) regarding the further processing of the draft bill is noted. Opponents' questions (e.g., those from Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart and Liisa-Ly Pakosta) are answered factually, explaining the cost principle and the proposed benefit, rather than personally criticizing the opponents.

The style of cooperation is open and inclusive, emphasizing the contribution of Ministry of Interior officials (including Kaspar Lepper, Enel Pungas, and Henry Timberg) to the commission's discussion and the provision of their explanations. The speaker also notes the consensus decision regarding their own appointment as the representative of the lead committee, which points to excellent cooperation within the committee.

There is insufficient data. The focus is on national administrative actions and legislative amendments.

The economic viewpoint strongly supports the cost principle when determining state fees, emphasizing that these charges must cover the cost of the procedures being performed. This indicates a commitment to fiscal discipline and the cost-effectiveness of public services, even if it means a significant price hike for services (e.g., expedited processing).

Social issues pertain to administrative procedures, such as civil registry actions (birth certificates) and the regulation of firearms permits. It is emphasized that social benefits have been maintained for specific beneficiary groups—for example, a 50% discount when applying for an identity document—which demonstrates the preservation of a certain degree of social sensitivity even while implementing the cost principle.

The legislative focus is currently on the Draft Act on the Amendment of the State Fees Act and the Consequential Amendment of Other Acts (Bill 417 SE). The rapporteur is a strong proponent of the bill and is driving the proceedings forward, presenting the committee's positive decisions (6 votes in favor) to conclude the first reading of the bill.