Agenda Profile: Signe Riisalo
Draft law amending the Public Health Act (617 SE) – first reading
2025-06-04
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is pragmatic and procedure-based, focusing on the validity of legislation and the streamlining of the legal framework. Speaking on behalf of the Reform Party faction, the speaker supports rejecting the draft amendment to the Public Health Act, as the law itself is set to expire on September 1, 2025. Furthermore, the necessity of continuing the discussion regarding the changing of the clocks at the European Union level is stressed, relying on ministerial support and potential future research. The stance is strongly opposed to proceeding with the bill due to its timing.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of legislative procedures and the hierarchy of the legal framework, referencing an EU directive, a specific section of the Metrology Act (Section 3, Subsection 4), and a Regulation of the Government of the Republic. The expertise is particularly strong regarding the validity period and the transposition of laws, highlighting that the Public Health Act will soon expire and be replaced by the Public Healthcare Act. The argumentation is based on legal and temporal facts.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal and analytical, emphasizing pragmatic and procedural justifications. The speaker employs logical argumentation to justify the rejection of the draft bill, citing the date the law is set to expire. Initially, a slight regret is expressed to the session chair regarding the insufficient focus on the bill, but the overall tone remains businesslike and neutral.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker participated in the first reading of the draft bill in the Riigikogu's main chamber, focusing specifically on the handling of a particular legislative amendment. Their pattern of activity indicates involvement in procedural motions put forward on behalf of the parliamentary group (faction). The speaker also referenced a previous discussion concerning the changing of the clocks (daylight saving time), which was put on hold during the COVID era.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed at a specific bill (617 SE) and is strictly procedural. The criticism is that the bill is pointless from a timing perspective, as the law being amended will soon expire, which is why there is a proposal to reject it during the first reading. The opposition is strong but not personal, focusing on the justification of the law's unenforceability.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative approach underscores the necessity of ministerial support for advancing complex topics (such as daylight saving time) and revitalizing the discussion at the European Union level. The immediate legislative action (a motion for rejection) is being put forward in the name of the Reform Party faction, which points to faction-based cooperation. Furthermore, reference is made to questions and debates raised by colleagues during the session.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is directed towards national legislation (the Public Health Act, the Metrology Act) and the international level, particularly in the context of European Union directives and discussions. The necessity of taking into account the preferences of the Estonian people (winter or summer time) is mentioned, but specific regional issues are not addressed.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The discussion covers issues related to public health legislation concerning the validity and transition of laws. Within the context of social topics, the necessity of conducting surveys is highlighted to determine whether Estonian residents actually prefer standard (winter) time or daylight saving (summer) time, thereby emphasizing the importance of public opinion. The social focus, however, is primarily related to the technical accuracy of the legislation itself.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed towards streamlining the legal framework and avoiding amendments to laws that are set to expire. The speaker opposes Bill 617 SE because it would amend a law that will cease to be valid on September 1st, while emphasizing the significance of the Public Health Act adopted in 2024. Also under scrutiny is the compliance of the regulation concerning the changing of clocks (the Measurement Act) with relevant EU directives.
1 Speeches Analyzed