Agenda Profile: Marek Reinaas
Draft law amending the Act on the Status of a Member of the Riigikogu (545 SE) - first reading
2024-12-09
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political focus is currently on reducing the expense allowances for members of the Riigikogu, which is being treated as a fundamental step toward demonstrating solidarity with society during these difficult times. The speaker strongly supports the draft legislation, although they note that Eesti 200 would have preferred cutting the expense allowances by half, rather than the current one-sixth reduction. This position is value-based, emphasizing concern and responsibility in the context of state budget cuts.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the parliament's internal processes, particularly the significance of the Senior Council format and how it is utilized to reach complex agreements. They also reference the previous reduction of expense reimbursements in 2009, providing historical context for the issue. The expertise centers on the legislative procedure and the internal dynamics of the parliament.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is appreciative and consensus-based, praising the factions for providing their signatures and expressing hope for full support. The speaker uses an emotional appeal (solidarity with society) and describes the length of the process ("so many hours spent sitting") with slight irony. The tone is formal, yet interspersed with personal observations.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker referred to the intensive participation in internal negotiations, noting that it took two months and a lot of meeting hours (or 'butt-in-chair time') to reach an agreement on reducing expense reimbursements. He emphasized the importance of the Council of Elders format and urged the management board to utilize it more frequently.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The standoff targets the members of parliament who considered Lauri Hussar's initial proposal populist or simplistic, pointing to their skepticism and lack of solidarity. Specific political parties are not directly criticized, but it is stressed that the agreement was achieved despite the initial resistance.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker stresses the necessity of cooperation and compromise, noting that the current reduction represents the greatest common denominator among four parliamentary groups. He/She acknowledges the format of the Council of Elders as a crucial mechanism for reaching cross-party consensus. The objective is to secure the broadest possible support, ideally the votes of all members of the Riigikogu.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views focus on fiscal responsibility and austerity, supporting the demonstration of solidarity in the context of state budget cuts. The goal is to show that members of the Riigikogu (Parliament) are also contributing during tight times by reducing their personal compensation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social theme is demonstrating solidarity with society, which serves as the primary moral and ethical justification for reducing expense allowances. This is framed as a fundamental step that shows concern for the public during a time of state budget cuts.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the draft Act amending the Status of a Member of the Riigikogu Act (545 SE), the aim of which is to reduce expense allowances. The speaker is a strong proponent of this bill and stresses that while it is a small measure, it is a step taken in the right direction, achieved as a result of lengthy negotiations.
1 Speeches Analyzed