Agenda Profile: Urmas Reinsalu
Third reading of the Draft Act supplementing the Police and Border Guard Act (670 SE)
2025-10-08
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to Draft Bill 670 SE, highlighting procedural flaws and the government's loss of trust regarding fundamental rights issues. The stance is values-based, focusing on defending constitutional liberty and the principles of the rule of law. While the use of technological solutions in crime prevention is not ruled out, the government's cowardly approach and the final text are unacceptable. Isamaa's message is that the people must be the masters of their own destiny and assertive.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates authority in the field of constitutional law and human rights, referencing the 2008 ruling of the German Federal Constitutional Court and the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights. Specific legal terminology is employed (e.g., "modus operandi," "profiling," "recidivist approach") and a substantive qualitative analysis of the fundamental rights test is required. The provisions of the draft bill regarding mobile cameras, license plate recognition, and the photographing of individuals are analyzed in detail.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical and combative, repeatedly leveling accusations of government cowardice, obfuscation, and loss of public trust. Strong imagery is employed, such as "the criminalization of thought crimes," "the cloak of disguise," and "the culture of the manor rope," to underscore the government's hidden intentions. While the appeals are legally sound, they are presented as an emotional and urgent call for the populace to be a "wise and demanding people."
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker follows the government’s actions very closely, referencing events that occurred just hours or days prior ("72 hours ago," "300 hours ago"). Mention is made of an extraordinary summer session involving four parliamentary committees, where ministers allegedly refused to attend. This indicates active involvement in parliamentary oversight mechanisms and continuous monitoring of the government's work.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponent is the government and the Minister of the Interior, who are criticized for systemic lack of integrity and a cowardly method in lawmaking, exemplified by sneaking bills through. The criticism targets both the procedure (the lack of a proper draft bill) and the content (the restriction of fundamental rights), highlighting the government's recurrent approach and the resulting loss of trust. The government is also accused of avoiding parliamentary scrutiny and failing to observe its duty of due diligence.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is contingent; the current draft bill is not supported, but the use of technological capabilities in preventing crimes is not ruled out, provided it is based on a proper analysis of fundamental rights. The government is being criticized for having stalled the search for a substantive solution for months, effectively leaving the resolution of this serious issue to the members of parliament.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation and the international legal framework, with references to the German Federal Constitutional Court and the European Court of Human Rights. There is insufficient information regarding the emphasis placed on specific regional or local interests.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspectives are implicitly evident in the criticism directed at expanding the authority of the Tax and Customs Board (MTA). This expansion would permit profiling to identify financial damages (up to 8,000 euros). Concern is voiced that this legal change could enable the camera system to be used, for example, to pursue those who fail to pay the car tax, suggesting a cautious approach towards the excessive broadening of surveillance concerning tax compliance.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus of social issues centers on the protection of constitutional freedoms and civil rights, particularly guarding against the restriction of privacy and the right to public assembly. There is strong opposition to government attempts to criminalize "thought crimes" and establish massive databases for profiling individuals, actions that fundamentally infringe upon basic rights. The necessity of adopting a balanced and considered approach between security concerns and individual liberties is emphasized.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is the rejection of Bill 670 SE (Supplementation of the Police and Border Guard Act), as it would permit the unrestricted deployment of mobile cameras and the profiling of individuals without adequate legal grounds. The government's attempts to broaden restrictions via the draft law prohibiting attendance at public gatherings, and the processing of the "super database" bill, are also facing criticism.
4 Speeches Analyzed