Agenda Profile: Reili Rand
Inquiry Regarding the Disruption of Railway Construction in Rohuküla (No. 731)
2025-05-06
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance centers on strong opposition to the government’s decision to halt funding for the Turba–Risti railway section, despite the project having been prepared and the necessary funding already allocated in the budget. This position is outcome-based, emphasizing the disregard for national plans (such as the mobility program) and the hindering of regional development. The speaker demands the political will necessary to move the initiated infrastructure project forward.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in transport infrastructure and regional development issues, citing specific data (e.g., the proportion of own revenues for the Riisipere–Turba section) and statistics (the number of passengers and vehicles on the Rohuküla line). They are well acquainted with the project preparation stages, mentioning the availability of building permits, land clearing works, and the need to purchase land from nearly 90 properties. They emphasize the positive economic impact of infrastructure construction.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is critical, insistent, and emotional, expressing the outrage and expectations of the people of Läänemaa. The rhetoric blends logical arguments (project readiness, economic benefit) with sharp criticism directed at the government's actions, referring to the repeated withdrawal of funding as a "tragic refrain." The speaker uses a formal address in the Riigikogu, but demands concrete action.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The action pattern is related to parliamentary work, involving the submission of an interpellation to the minister regarding the reversal of political decisions. The speaker is an active scrutinizer and critic of government activity in the Riigikogu chamber, focusing specifically on the fulfillment of political promises.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is directed at the government led by the Reform Party, which is accused of withdrawing funding as a political decision and disregarding the principles of regional policy. The criticism is intense and policy-driven, emphasizing that the government's actions stifle the region's development potential and ignore the principles of the public transport reform.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker positively referenced the work of former regional ministers Madis Kallas and Piret Hartman in developing the concept for the public transport reform. There is currently no information available regarding the level of inter-party cooperation or willingness to compromise.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is very strongly regional, concentrating on the development needs of Western Estonia (Läänemaa, Haapsalu, Risti) and Hiiumaa. Extending the railway is considered a vital measure for maintaining the region's population, improving employment, and supporting tourism. Separately, the potential for integrating the Rohuküla–Heltermaa ferry connection is emphasized.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports national infrastructure investments as a crucial positive driver for the economy and an engine for regional development, pointing specifically to the rise in property values and population growth seen in Turba. It is considered vital that the state guarantees fair compensation to property owners when the use of private property is restricted. It is recognized that while railway lines may not operate profitably based on market logic, they nonetheless generate opportunities for development.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is aimed at ensuring regional quality of life and community stability, while emphasizing improved access to jobs and services. Positive social impacts are mentioned (namely, growth in the number of residents and the proportion of children) in regions where the railway has already been restored. Furthermore, the issue of fairness regarding the restriction of private property is raised in connection with the obligation to pay land tax.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on the implementation of existing national programs (the public transport reform concept, the national mobility program) and securing their funding under the framework of the next State Budget Strategy (RES). The objective is to compel the government to continue the initiated project, for which building permits have already been issued and preliminary work has been completed.
4 Speeches Analyzed