Agenda Profile: Pipi-Liis Siemann
Draft resolution "Establishment of a working group to address the population crisis" (324 OE) – first reading
2024-10-09
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fourth Session, Plenary Session.
Political Position
The speaker's focus is on the draft resolution (324 OE) concerning the formation of a special committee tasked with solving the demographic crisis. He relays the position of the Constitutional Committee, which was to reject the bill (6 votes in favor, 4 against). The Committee stressed that instead of establishing a new body, efforts should be directed toward strengthening the economic situation and the overall sense of security. The political framework is primarily procedural, centered on preventing the duplication of effort.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates competence regarding the procedural rules of the Riigikogu and the organization of the Constitutional Committee's work, including the designation of the rapporteur and the transmission of decisions. He relays concerns voiced by other colleagues about the lack of a systemic approach in addressing demographic processes. Furthermore, he cites demographic indicators, such as the total fertility rate (TFR) and completed fertility measures.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, neutral, and informative, characteristic of a committee rapporteur who conveys procedural decisions and summarizes the debate. The discourse is logical and structured, referencing specific dates, colleagues' arguments, and voting results. Emotional or personal appeals are avoided; the focus is strictly on facts and procedures.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's operational pattern involves summarizing the work of the Constitutional Committee, including the reporting of previous meetings (November 21, 2023) and procedural decisions. He/She has recently been appointed as the rapporteur, receiving the mandate in place of Anti Allas. He/She emphasizes that the draft bill did not previously reach the plenary session agenda, although it had been scheduled.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker conveys the opposition to the draft bill, which was reflected in the committee vote (6 votes in favor of rejection). The opposition was based on arguments that the new committee might duplicate the preparation of the Ministry of the Interior's development plan, and that a previous similar committee lacked the necessary enthusiasm. The criticism is directed at the procedural expediency of the draft bill, not at individuals.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker employs a collaborative style, as he impartially presents the viewpoints from the committee discussion of various colleagues (both supporters Jaak Valge and Helir-Valdor Seeder, and skeptics Hendrik Johannes Terras). He emphasizes that the committee held a discussion before making procedural decisions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely at the national level, addressing Estonia's demographic crisis and the structural solutions of the Riigikogu. Also mentioned are the worsening demographic situation and integration issues related to immigration, which are likewise national topics.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic viewpoints are presented indirectly, emphasizing the need to strengthen the sense of economic security as a crucial factor in influencing birth rates and demographic processes. This suggests the understanding that economic stability is a prerequisite for mitigating the demographic crisis.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is the population crisis, which is being discussed in the context of birth rate figures and integration problems. It is also mentioned that the birth rate is currently being affected by global crises, such as the coronavirus pandemic and fears of war. To solve this problem, deepening the overall sense of security is considered crucial.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on Riigikogu Draft Resolution 324 OE, which concerns the establishment of a special committee tasked with solving the demographic crisis. The speaker’s role is to support the Constitutional Committee’s procedural decision to reject the draft resolution, thereby positioning the speaker as an opponent of the bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed