Session Profile: Mati Raidma
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
2024-06-05
Political Position
The political position is to support raising state fees based on the principle of cost recovery, given that the rates have remained unchanged for years. Simultaneously, a moderate willingness is shown to alleviate these levies for gun owners and hunters, recognizing their role in security and in fulfilling state duties. The speaker frames their views primarily through a policy and procedural lens, emphasizing the necessity of covering the actual cost of state operations.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the legislative process and the regulation of state fees, focusing specifically on the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Interior. They provide detailed summaries of committee sessions, procedural rulings, and the standpoints of the officials involved (e.g., Janek Mägi, Enel Pungas, Henry Timberg). This expertise is also evident in the specifics of the cost-based calculation logic and the process for expedited document issuance.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The language used is extremely formal, neutral, and procedural, focusing on the fact-based description of the commission's work and decisions. Emphasis is placed on logical justifications, such as cost-effectiveness and the actual expense of operations, while avoiding emotional appeals. The speaker adopts the role of a rapporteur, describing the difficult decisions the commission has been compelled to adopt.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity is closely tied to the work of the Riigikogu Legal Affairs Committee, submitting detailed reports to the plenary assembly concerning sessions and procedural decisions. The speaker regularly references specific dates (May 28, June 3) and the voting timetable, which demonstrates a focus on the rhythm of the legislative process.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed at the amendment proposals from the Centre Party and Isamaa factions, which were rejected by the committee. The Centre Party is criticized for not submitting specific proposals for reductions, but instead wanting to completely omit the provisions for raising fees from the draft bill. The criticism is policy- and procedure-focused.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is compromise-oriented, especially concerning the appeals of interest groups (the Estonian Hunters’ Society, the Estonian Gun Owners’ League), resulting in a unanimous commission amendment proposal to reduce firearms fees (7 in favor, 0 against). Cooperation with representatives of the Ministry of the Interior in clarifying the cost basis is also emphasized.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data
9 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives emphasize fiscal discipline and the principle of cost recovery when determining state fees, ensuring that the actual cost of operations is covered. It is recognized that increasing these fees is a difficult decision, but a necessary one, as the rates have been below the required level for an extended period.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues addressed is the procedure for the expedited issuance of identity documents, emphasizing the citizen's responsibility in monitoring the validity period of these documents. Regarding firearms permits, understanding is shown towards gun owners and hunters, acknowledging their role in the security environment and in disease control. The rising cost of expedited services is justified by the need to make them more exceptional and prevent them from becoming a mere convenience service.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft bill concerning state fees that fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Interior, where the speaker, acting as the committee representative, is responsible for processing the bill. Key activities include reviewing proposed amendments, making procedural decisions, and initiating a committee amendment aimed at reducing firearm fees.
9 Speeches Analyzed