Agenda Profile: Urmas Reinsalu
The Chancellor of Justice's report on the conformity of legislative acts with the Constitution and the performance of other duties assigned to the Chancellor by law.
2025-09-16
Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, plenary sitting.
Political Position
The political position is strongly value-driven, focusing on the protection of freedom and constitutional rights. The speaker takes a forceful opposition stance against the Reform Party government, sharply criticizing their initiatives which, in their estimation, undermine the fundamental social agreement regarding privacy. The main message is that things are not going well, and initiatives that restrict freedom must be reversed.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker exhibits profound expertise in matters concerning the rule of law, constitutionality, and data protection. They employ specific terminology, such as the "State Budget Base Law," "retroactive taxation," and the "ETS system," while citing the expertise of the Chancellor of Justice, the Auditor General, and the President. Precedents within the European Union legal framework related to the establishment of a super database are examined in particular detail.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speech is combative, critical, and forceful in tone, employing strong emotional appeals, particularly when defending freedom and privacy. The argumentation is simultaneously heavily focused on legal and procedural matters, demanding political accountability and referencing the sheer bulk of the draft legislation (calling them a "brick" and a "patsahkam"). The government's actions are characterized as "unacceptable" and involving "infringements of the constitution."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in parliamentary sessions, participating in the debate on the Chancellor of Justice's report and focusing on the immediate legislative discussions ahead ("to be debated tomorrow"). They are aware of both government initiatives (such as the regulation of thought crimes) and public reactions (protests from business organizations).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party government (Michal's government), which is accused of creating bureaucracy, dismantling freedoms, and infringing upon the constitution. The criticism is intense and covers both substantive issues (the super database, thought crimes) and a lack of accountability (violation of banking secrecy, the LHV claim). No willingness to compromise has been expressed; instead, there is a promise to reverse the initiatives.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasized strong cooperation outside the ruling coalition, promising to work alongside entrepreneurs, business organizations, the legal community, and advocates for civil liberties. He/She also noted that several interest groups have protested against the government’s initiatives.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is predominantly on the national level (the Estonian legal system, the state budget) and the international legal framework (European Union law). Specific local or regional topics are not addressed, although mention is made of crises that require solving (swine fever).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker vehemently opposes retrospective taxation (under the ETS system) and criticizes the government's fiscal policy, demanding the presentation of a constitutionally sound state budget. Furthermore, he expresses concern regarding the protests staged by business organizations and calls for political accountability over the failure to safeguard bank confidentiality.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The most crucial social issue is the protection of individual liberties and privacy, sharply opposing the creation of a super-database and the initiative to regulate "thought crimes." He/She emphasizes that setting the boundaries of freedom must be based on public debate and must align with the basic, consensus-driven sense of freedom.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker's priority is to oppose and reject several bills currently under parliamentary consideration, including the super-database initiative and the draft legislation concerning retroactive taxation. Furthermore, he is calling for the reform of the State Budget Act to ensure its constitutionality, criticizing the excessively vague powers granted to ministries when amending budget lines.
3 Speeches Analyzed