Agenda Profile: Reili Rand
Inquiry regarding the future of the ferry connection (no. 739)
2025-05-06
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political focus is on the future and funding of the ferry service, urgently demanding free passage for island residents and visitors, and insisting it be treated as an extension of the national road network. This stance is strongly rooted in regional policy, emphasizing quality of life and the sustainability of local communities. Criticism is aimed at the government’s short-sightedness, which views subsidization as an expense rather than an investment.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the logistics of ferry traffic and regional policy, citing specific issues such as the aging of the vessel Regula and the operational reliability of the Sõru-Triigi line. Terms like "road extension" and "permanent resident discount" are used, emphasizing a detailed grasp of the service's bottlenecks. A budgetary estimate for the costs associated with the round-trip subsidy was also expected.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is serious and persuasive, balancing emotional appeals (the island lifeline, equal treatment) with practical logistical and economic arguments. There is a repeated appeal to fairness and humanity, while simultaneously emphasizing the necessity of a long-term strategic vision. The tone is occasionally anxious and insistent, particularly regarding uncertainty and potential budget cuts.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The addresses are part of an official inquiry in the Riigikogu, which refers to legislative activity. There is repeated mention of meetings and cooperation with local governments, businesses, and community leaders, whose concerns the speaker is amplifying.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at the Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture (Terras) and the government coalition, faulting them for the lack of strategic vision and for treating the ferry connection merely as an administrative organizational problem. Specific criticism targets the reversal of the decision to expand the permanent resident discount, as well as the reference to the strained state budget situation, which could result in reduced schedules or increased ticket prices.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The necessity for cross-sectoral cooperation within the governing coalition and with the Minister of Finance is stressed, given that this is a complex and cross-cutting issue. Close cooperation with local governments, businesses, and community leaders in Hiiumaa and Saaremaa is also highlighted, whose proposals are being represented.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is solely regional, concentrating on the quality of life and economic sustainability for the residents of Hiiumaa and Saaremaa. The ferry service is viewed as a critical regional policy decision that directly impacts the viability of the Kärdla, Kõrgessaare, Mustjala, and Leisi communities.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspective supports state investment in ferry services, viewing the subsidization as an investment in regional vitality, rather than merely an expense. Concerns are being raised regarding rising ticket prices and schedule reductions, while pointing to the ferry company's substantial dividends at a time when the community is forced to worry about the accessibility of the service.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The central social issue is the equal treatment and quality of life of island residents, emphasizing the need to guarantee them the same access to vital services (work, school, specialist medical care) and community life that mainland residents enjoy. Island residents are not asking for special treatment, but for equality.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the interpellation concerning the timeline for the procurement of the new ferry Regula and the increase in ferry traffic frequency in the next state budget. The speaker is acting as the initiator, demanding specific answers and political decisions regarding the establishment of a free connection and the improvement of service reliability.
3 Speeches Analyzed