Agenda Profile: Priit Sibul
Inquiry regarding the Võru shooting range (no 737)
2025-05-12
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting.
Political Position
The political focus is currently on developing the internal security infrastructure in Southeast Estonia, requiring clarification regarding the fate of the Võru and Põlva shooting ranges. The speaker questioned the procedure for getting major investments into the budget, citing suspicions about the use of "pork-barrel funding" and criticizing politicians for using state budget projects for self-aggrandizement. They expressed support for comprehensive national defense and for amending the Arms Act to ensure wider access to shooting opportunities.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The presenter demonstrates detailed knowledge of the technical specifications (e.g., 270-degree shooting capability, tactical facility) and intended use (Police and Border Guard Board, Rescue Board, crisis reserve) of the Võru indoor shooting range. Emphasis is placed on the need for such infrastructure to support internal security and comprehensive national defense, citing Finland's model for establishing additional ranges. The presenter is also aware of the Ministry of the Interior's development plans and budget processes.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetoric is formal, investigative, and critical, utilizing extensive quotes (Anti Allas, Jürgen Ligi) to highlight political contradictions and establish context. The tone is logical and detailed, focusing on procedural and substantive issues, but it also includes an emotional appeal in support of local activists (Ilmar Tagel). In conclusion, hope is expressed for further progress.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
This is an interpellation, which indicates active oversight of the government's activities within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Interior. The speaker highlights cooperation with the co-interpellator (Rain Epler) and local sports veterans/activists (Ilmar Tagel) in addressing specific regional problems.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Criticism is directed against the lack of transparency in budgeting investments and political appropriation (Anti Allas). Also highlighted is the contradiction in the Social Democrats' positions regarding arms distribution. Opposition is voiced against the concept put forth by the Ministry of the Interior/PPA, which views shooting ranges as narrow "niche products" and leaves the Põlva range without state support.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Close cooperation with co-interpellator Rain Epler was visible during the submission of the interpellation. The speaker commends the minister (Igor Taro) for his regional policy mindset when choosing the location for the Võru shooting range and supports his initiative to amend the Arms Act. A desire is expressed that the Võru shooting range could also be used by auxiliary police officers and volunteers, not just those in uniform.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus is on Southeast Estonia, particularly concerning the issue of the firing ranges in Võru and Põlva. Emphasis is placed on the importance of investments for rapid response units operating near the border and for boosting the region's overall vitality. The decision to establish the range in Võru rather than Tartu is commended, as it demonstrates sound regional policy judgment.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints focus on the reasonable and widespread use of taxpayer money, calling into question the concept of expensive "niche products." It is desired that state investments (such as the Võru shooting range) be beneficial to the largest possible number of people, including voluntary contributors.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social theme is internal security and the proficiency in handling weapons within the context of comprehensive national defense. The speaker strongly advocates for amending the Arms Act and establishing shooting ranges to increase the population's knowledge and skills in dealing with firearms, emphasizing the necessity of creating opportunities to do so.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the budgetary oversight of investments within the administrative area of the Ministry of the Interior and clarifying the stage of the Võru shooting range project. The minister's initiative to amend the Weapons Act is actively supported, as it is seen as the correct direction for supporting broad-based national defense.
4 Speeches Analyzed