Agenda Profile: Valdo Randpere
Second Reading of the Draft Act (Bill 362 SE) on the Denunciation of the Agreement between the Republic of Estonia and the Russian Federation on Legal Assistance and Legal Relations in Civil, Family, and Criminal Matters
2024-03-20
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly focused on supporting the denunciation of the legal assistance treaty between Estonia and the Russian Federation. The argumentation is primarily results-based and values-driven, emphasizing that Russia selectively uses the treaty for its own interests (for instance, sharing compromising information on opposition figures) and fails to provide appropriate assistance to rule-of-law states, particularly in money laundering investigations. This stance is firm and relies on highlighting the failures seen in previous cases (like Swedbank).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a deep understanding of the legal nuances involved in money laundering investigations, particularly concerning the requirement to prove the predicate offense within the context of the presumption of innocence. They are keenly aware of the practical ineffectiveness of mutual legal assistance between Estonia and Russia, citing the collapse of the Swedbank money laundering investigation as a prime example, and referencing the experiences of former Prosecutor General Lavly Perling.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is rather conversational and narrative, using personal recollections and anecdotes (Lavly Perling) to illustrate the arguments. The tone is critical of the selective nature of Russia’s provision of legal assistance, but remains neutral and descriptive regarding procedural matters (the work of the commission). Clear and accessible language is employed.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in the legislative process, having participated both in the bill's first reading "a couple of weeks ago" and in the committee's work leading up to the second reading. He/She is addressing the Riigikogu plenary session to provide an overview of the proceedings and the consensus decisions reached within the committee.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is aimed at the government and legal system of the Russian Federation, which are accused of selectively providing legal assistance and obstructing Estonian money laundering investigations. Criticism regarding domestic politicians is mild, mentioning Mart Maastik's "half-baked or paltry" amendment proposal, which he himself subsequently withdrew.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperative style within the commission has been consensus-based regarding procedural issues, such as the further handling of the draft legislation and moving it to a final vote. The speaker referenced communication with Ministry of Justice officials and questions posed by colleagues (Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart), demonstrating openness to input from other parties.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly international, centering on the legal relations between the Republic of Estonia and the Russian Federation, and the impediments to investigating cross-border crime (money laundering).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives focus on the need to intensify the fight against money laundering, highlighting the Swedbank case where the money laundering investigation failed due to a lack of cooperation from a foreign state (Russia). Rule-of-law measures against financial crime are supported.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft bill (362 SE) concerning the denunciation of the agreement on legal assistance between Estonia and the Russian Federation, a measure the speaker strongly supports. He/She provides an overview of the bill’s procedural progress, including the consensus decisions reached to conclude the second reading and advance the bill to the final vote.
1 Speeches Analyzed