Agenda Profile: Valdo Randpere
Continuation of the first reading of the Draft Act (682 SE) on the Ratification of the Agreement between the Republic of Estonia and the Kingdom of Sweden concerning the Execution of Prison Sentences of the Kingdom of Sweden in the Republic of Estonia
2025-11-05
15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political stance strongly supports the agreement between Estonia and Sweden regarding the enforcement of prison sentences (682 SE), highlighting its economic expediency and the security of Tartu Prison. Focus is placed on procedural correctness and the sharp criticism directed at the opposition's unpreparedness. The bill is framed in a rather pragmatic, policy- and results-driven manner, concentrating on generating revenue and utilizing idle capacity.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates authority in the field of the work of the Legal Affairs Committee and prison administration, serving as a representative of the leading committee. He utilizes specific knowledge regarding the security of Tartu Prison and references experts who participated in the committee (Deputy Secretary General Rait Kuuse and Advisor Martin Ziehr). He is also familiar with the issues surrounding the management of prison infrastructure, citing the costs associated with the deterioration of Jõhvi Prison as an example.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is direct, sometimes sharp and polemical, especially towards the opposition, who are accused of "playing dumb" and shirking their duties. Logical appeals are employed (revenues vs. costs, the decay of vacant buildings), and the tone is confident and defensive regarding the bill’s procedures. He prefers referencing facts and committee minutes over emotional arguments.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively working in the Riigikogu chamber as the representative of the leading committee, introducing the draft legislation and fielding questions. They emphasize their presence and contribution to the committee (e.g., the session of October 20) and criticize the absence of other members of parliament from the committee's work. Their role is to champion and defend the progression of the bill.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is primarily aimed at members of the opposition (Varro Vooglaid, Heljo Pikhof) for their procedural delays and failure to participate in the committee, which suggests a low tolerance for unprepared questions. Furthermore, he/she attacks Martin Helme for poor management of state finances and Isamaa for the lack of confidence shown over the last 30 years. The criticism is intense and often personal-procedural.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker highlighted the consensus decisions reached within the Legal Affairs Committee (including the adoption of the draft bill onto the agenda and the conclusion of the first reading), pointing to successful cooperation among the committee members. Cooperation with the Swedish state concerning the export of correctional services is deemed a "very sensible idea."
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is on Tartu Prison, the commissioning of which he defends, dismissing earlier fears regarding the security of Tartu. Additionally, he highlights Jõhvi Prison as an example of the problem of managing idle state property. He also refers to another resident of Tartu (Mihkel Lees) to provide a local perspective.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic viewpoint supports the innovative utilization of state property (an empty prison) for the purpose of "exporting services." He/She emphasizes fiscal discipline and argues that the budgetary impact of the prison agreement is positive, contradicting claims regarding cost coverage. He/She also criticizes the actions of the former Minister of Finance (Martin Helme) concerning the poor state of the nation's finances.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social issues addressed include the security of the prison environment and the risk of violence, recognizing that the complete elimination of violence in prison cannot be guaranteed. Furthermore, he/she clarifies the distinction between citizenship and nationality in the context of Swedish crime statistics.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The key legislative priority is the successful processing of the draft law (Bill 682 SE) concerning the ratification of the agreement between Estonia and Sweden on the execution of prison sentences. As a representative of the leading committee, he/she is a strong proponent and driver of the bill, emphasizing the consensus decision to conclude the first reading.
7 Speeches Analyzed