Agenda Profile: Pipi-Liis Siemann
First reading of the Draft Act on the Amendment of Section 2 of the Law on Holidays and Commemorative Dates (402 SE)
2024-09-10
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary sitting
Political Position
The speaker represents the position of the leading committee, which voted in favor of rejecting Bill 402 SE (5:1), emphasizing the concerns of both the government and the committee regarding the lack of economic analysis, indirect state budgetary costs, and the increased burden on students. The stance is primarily focused on policy and procedure, centering on the necessity of impact assessment and fiscal prudence. Although supportive opinions were also voiced within the committee, the prevailing direction was to reject the bill.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The presenter demonstrates competence in legislative procedure and the assessment of draft legislation impacts, referencing the official positions of the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Education and Research. They employ technical terminology such as GDP, state budget expenditures, and international benchmarks concerning the number of school days. This expertise is further reflected in the accurate reporting of the committee's procedural decisions and voting outcomes.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The presentation is formal, procedural, and neutral, typical of a report delivered by a leading committee. The style is logical and fact-based, focusing on conveying the arguments presented by ministries and committee members, as well as summaries of the ensuing discussion. Emotional appeals are avoided; the emphasis is placed on the delivery of rational and balanced arguments.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's primary mode of operation is representing the Constitutional Committee in the Riigikogu plenary session, having been appointed as the committee's representative at the June 11 sitting. He/She participated in the committee's discussion on May 28 and presented the committee's procedural decisions regarding the draft bill.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at the initiators of the draft bill because the explanatory memorandum failed to include economic analysis and impact assessment, particularly concerning state budget costs and the strain on the education system. The opposition is moderately intense and is grounded in both political and procedural reasoning, emphasizing the clear resistance from the government and the ministries.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasized cooperation within the committee, where decisions were reached through voting and consensus (e.g., the adoption of the agenda in June). The discussion also highlighted the necessity of consulting with the employers' association, which signals an openness to broad stakeholder engagement.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level (Estonian laws, the state budget, GDP) and on international comparisons with other European countries concerning the number of public holidays, particularly regarding the second day of Easter. Regional or local topics are not addressed.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker presented a cautious economic outlook, highlighting concerns regarding indirect budgetary expenditures and the resulting negative impact on GDP. This stance directly contradicted the view that an additional public holiday would be cost-free. Furthermore, the necessity of accounting for the continued operation of both employers and the public sector during such holidays was emphasized.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social issues discussed encompass public health (the positive impact of an additional day off on mental and physical health) and the education system, where concerns exist regarding an increased student workload due to the limited number of study days. It was also mentioned that existing labor laws already regulate rest time.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on Draft Bill 402 SE, which proposes amendments to Section 2 of the Law on Holidays and Commemorative Days. The bill's objective was to introduce a new national holiday (the second day of the Resurrection holiday). The speaker's role, acting as the representative of the leading committee, is to move for the rejection of the bill during the first reading.
3 Speeches Analyzed