Agenda Profile: Kersti Sarapuu
Draft law amending the Holiday and Commemoration Day Act (453 SE) – first reading
2024-11-11
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is one of strong support for amending the Holidays and Significant Dates Act to include the second day of Easter as a national public holiday. This position is consistent, as the speaker previously introduced the exact same bill while serving as the leader of the Center Faction, demonstrating a long-term commitment to the issue. The focus now is on implementing the policy and overcoming the previous failure, with the speaker expressing hope that this attempt will be more successful.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the history of legislation, referencing their previous activity as a faction leader when addressing the same topic. They emphasize the need to understand international practice, asking for specific data on how many countries observe the second day of Easter as a public holiday. This indicates an interest in the legal and comparative aspects of the subject.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is polite and respectful, addressing both the Chairman and the rapporteur in a formal parliamentary environment. The speaker incorporates a personal historical reference (a previous bill) delivered with a hopeful tone, emphasizing the topic's importance and continuity. The address concludes with a specific, fact-based question concerning international practice, effectively balancing personal history with the necessity for factual data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data is limited to a single speech delivered during the first reading of the draft bill at a Riigikogu session. The speaker references their previous activity as the leader of the Center Faction, which indicates a high legislative role in the past and consistent engagement with this specific draft bill. The current pattern of activity is active participation in the legislative process.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
No direct criticism is leveled at opponents, but reference is made to the previous lack of support for the same draft legislation, which prevented its adoption. This points to earlier political opposition that they hope to overcome this time. The criticism is directed more towards the previous procedure than towards specific individuals.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker supports the current draft bill, demonstrating a readiness to cooperate toward a shared legislative objective. Hope is expressed that this time the support will be broader and the bill will pass successfully, which indicates a desire to find broad-based backing. The style of cooperation is supportive and optimistic.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation (the Law on Holidays and Anniversaries) and an international comparison regarding how other countries celebrate holidays. There is no reference to local or regional issues or interests.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is the recognition of traditional religious holidays (Easter Monday) as a national holiday. This demonstrates support for integrating social and cultural values into national legislation, while providing citizens with an additional day off.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on the draft Act amending the Holidays and Observances Act (Bill 453 SE), which seeks to introduce a new national holiday to the calendar. The speaker is a firm proponent of this bill, having previously initiated it while serving as the faction leader, and stresses the importance of maintaining legislative continuity.
1 Speeches Analyzed