Agenda Profile: Pipi-Liis Siemann
Second reading of the Bill for the Amendment of the Vital Statistics Act, the Population Register Act, and the State Fees Act (687 SE)
2025-11-03
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The speaker strongly supports the streamlining of administrative organization and the centralization of vital statistics procedures (the registration of births) into county centers, justifying this with the need to ensure a higher level of competence in the case of more complex matters. The political focus is directed toward the implementation of the policy and the rapid entry into force of the draft bill, emphasizing that the provisions should take effect early. The speaker, representing the leading committee, is of the opinion that the amendment proposal submitted by the Isamaa faction should be disregarded.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker possesses profound expertise in legislative procedure and the work of the Constitutional Committee, presenting detailed reports on session dates, participating officials, and voting outcomes. They demonstrate knowledge concerning the administration of the population register, the frequency of e-service utilization, and the necessity of updating the qualifications of local government officials. Furthermore, they are well-versed in birth registration statistics and the exceptions related to the certification of home births.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is predominantly formal, procedural, and explanatory, focusing on the neutral conveyance of the commission's work and its procedural decisions. The speaker employs logical appeals, justifying centralization by citing the preservation of competence and the widespread implementation of e-services. He also presents a clear and specific refutation (rebuttal) to Mr. Grünthal’s claim regarding "mafia," stressing the service’s accessibility and its free nature.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active member or representative of the Riigikogu Constitutional Committee who participated in the processing of the draft bill during two sittings (October 20 and 21). Their pattern of activity includes presenting the results of the committee's work to the plenary session and submitting a consensus proposal for procedural decisions (e.g., concluding the second reading and setting the date for the final vote).
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the amendment proposed by the Isamaa faction, which seeks to retain the authority for registering births in all local municipalities. This opposition is justified by concerns over inefficiency and the necessity of specialized expertise. The speaker also refutes the claim made by a colleague (Mr. Grünthal) that the system constitutes a "mafia," stressing that birth registration is free of charge and transportation is provided for those who require assistance.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker detailed the cooperation with Ministry of the Interior officials and other committees (specifically the Legal Committee), all of whom supported the further processing of the draft legislation. He listened to the proposals put forward by the interest groups (the Estonian Association of Cities and Municipalities, the City of Tallinn) but maintained support for the ministry's stance: that exceptions and changes to the booking system would not be endorsed, even while acknowledging that the concerns raised were understandable. The procedural decisions were reached consensually.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on restructuring how local governments provide services, specifically by concentrating power in county centers and reducing the jurisdiction of smaller municipalities. He/She acknowledges that the variation in services and pricing across different municipalities poses challenges for creating a unified booking system.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker explains that local governments are compensated for performing vital records services through a grant received from the state budget, thereby refuting the claim that this work is unpaid. He/She notes that developing a booking system that would factor in the service fees of different local authorities would incur financial costs, which are not currently deemed practical or necessary.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus is on birth registration procedures, emphasizing the accessibility and simplification of e-services. He/she confirms that in exceptional cases (e.g., home births without a certificate from a healthcare institution), registration is still possible based on indirect evidence, and that families in need will be guaranteed transport assistance if necessary to travel to the county center.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the completion of the second reading of the draft Act amending the Vital Statistics Registration Act (687 SE) and bringing it to the final vote on November 10th. The speaker is a strong supporter of the bill and a representative of the lead committee, tasked with rejecting proposed amendments and advancing the proceedings.
6 Speeches Analyzed