Agenda Profile: Valdo Randpere
First reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Close the Temporary Control Line Between the Republic of Estonia and the Russian Federation" (722 OE)
2025-11-11
XV Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
A strong and pragmatic rebuttal to the opposition's draft bill proposing the closure of the land border with Russia. This stance is rooted in policy, emphasizing the necessity of considering the views of neighboring countries (Latvia), assessments provided by security agencies, and the genuinely restrictive nature of current border crossing procedures. The criticism centers on the bill's ill-conceived nature and impracticality, noting that regional factors must be taken into account when holding governing power.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates detailed knowledge of border regime and security issues, specifying the opening hours of the Narva border crossing points, exceptions to the visa regime, and restrictions on vehicles with Russian license plates. Uses technical terms such as "restrictive" and "operative," and refers to the availability of threat assessments from security authorities to members of the Riigikogu. Corrects factual errors made by the opposition concerning the opening status of other countries' borders (Norway, Poland, Lithuania).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is analytical, critical, and at times sarcastic, particularly when directed at the opposition. It employs logical arguments and factual corrections to refute the claims made by opponents. Irony is used to ridicule the opponent's (Reinsalu's) complicated and content-free language, for instance, by offering a hypothetical, jargon-laden reply.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Participated in the work of the Riigikogu committee, where the draft bill was introduced, and responds directly to the arguments of the previous speakers (Seeder, Helme). References earlier historical events (the border closures during the COVID era) to illustrate their viewpoint.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main targets of criticism are the Isamaa party, Helir-Valdor Seeder, and Urmas Reinsalu in particular. The criticism is aimed at political hypocrisy (Reinsalu's previous positions while in government) and the substantive lack of consideration regarding the draft bill, calling it acceptable when in opposition, but ultimately impractical.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It emphasizes the need for international cooperation, especially with Latvia and other neighboring countries, citing the joint stance of Estonia and Latvia regarding the closure of the border. It also mentions the importance of keeping the border open for the movement of European Union diplomats.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It focuses heavily on international and cross-border issues, comparing Estonia's situation with those of Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Poland. The specific local focus is on the operational regime of the Narva road and pedestrian border crossing points.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It refers to restrictions on border crossing based on humanitarian considerations and for close relatives, but broader social issues are absent. It mentions the migration attack as the reason why Finland closed its border, but emphasizes that a similar situation has not arisen in Estonia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main focus is on opposing the opposition's proposed bill (722 OE), which concerns closing the temporary control line. The speaker is against the bill and emphasizes the government's operational capability to close the border should the need arise.
2 Speeches Analyzed