Session Profile: Priit Sibul

The political focus is heavily directed towards increasing the transparency and accountability of government institutions, criticizing the casual classification of documents for internal departmental use. He argues that current administrative practices have become a pervasive problem that obstructs public access to information. Particular emphasis is placed on the activities of the Ministry of Finance and the Tax and Customs Board, demanding a swift change in administrative practices. Furthermore, the issue of consumer protection is raised in connection with disinformation provided by Elektrilevi regarding service restoration.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the implementation of the Public Information Act and the Taxation Act, referencing specific sections and cases. They are well-versed in the administrative jurisdiction of ministries and procedural issues, especially when establishing restrictions on document access. Additionally, they possess practical knowledge concerning the service quality and consumer notification problems of the electricity distribution network (Elektrilevi).

The style is professional, analytical, and critical, highlighting procedural and legal failures, as well as instances of abuse. Logical arguments are employed, supported by concrete examples (the MTA letter, the National Library proposal, and vaccine procurement). The tone is formal but conveys concern and calls for swift action to ensure transparency.

The speaker is an active submitter of inquiries (to the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Culture) and participates in faction meetings. He/She refers to a meeting with the Data Protection Inspectorate within the Isamaa faction, which demonstrates his/her deep engagement with the topic outside the session hall. His/Her activity is aimed at bringing specific administrative cases into public discussion.

The main criticism is directed at government institutions (the Ministry of Finance, the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (MTA), and the Ministry of Social Affairs), accusing them of a lack of transparency and the abuse of administrative practices. The criticism is both procedural and political, emphasizing that documents are being classified without substantive reason, and also pointing to a lack of communication between ministers. The criticism is particularly sharp regarding the decision by the Tax and Customs Board to classify a letter concerning Kaja Kallas’s income declarations for 75 years.

The speaker is cooperating within their faction (a meeting with the Data Protection Inspectorate) and calls upon the Ministry of Justice to act swiftly in drafting the legislative amendments. He/She expresses hope that the discussion with the Minister will prove fruitful, demonstrating an openness to substantive problem-solving.

The focus is primarily on national administrative practices, but it is stressed that transparency issues also heavily affect local governments. The issue concerning Elektrilevi relates to the quality of consumer service, which constitutes a widespread infrastructure problem.

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The main legislative focus is on the need to update the Public Information Act, which the speaker considers outdated and in need of modernization. He/She calls for amendments to the legislation or a rapid improvement in administrative practice to prevent the unjustified classification of documents. The speaker supports the Ministry of Justice’s initiative aimed at resolving this problem.