Agenda Profile: Pipi-Liis Siemann
First reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Local Government Council Election Act (166 SE)
2024-02-21
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is in favor of rejecting draft bill 166 SE, as the C1 language proficiency requirement for council members is excessively high and unwarranted. It is emphasized that Estonian-language administration in local municipalities is statutory, and non-compliance necessitates an improvement in political culture. Support is voiced for increasing the powers of the Language Inspectorate and the Language Board (Keeleamet) regarding supervision, which demonstrates a preference for administrative solutions over new restrictions.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the working procedures of the Constitutional Committee and the handling of draft legislation, providing a precise overview of the discussion's progress and the decisions made. This expertise relates to legislation concerning language policy and the administration of local government affairs, referencing language proficiency levels (C1, B1) and the mandates of supervisory bodies.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal and procedural, focusing on conveying the work and decisions of the Constitutional Committee and responding to questions. The speaker employs logical arguments (e.g., the redundancy of the C1 level) and is precise in their responses, clearly distinguishing the committee's positions from personal justifications. The tone is measured and analytical, emphasizing adherence to the law and the necessity of improving political culture.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in legislative work, serving as a representative of the Constitutional Committee and providing an overview of the committee’s discussions and decisions (including the meeting held on September 11, 2023). This pattern of activity involves presenting the committee’s positions to the plenary session and responding to detailed questions.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at the proponents of draft bill 166 SE, as the bill is deemed overly restrictive and unnecessary. Criticism is also leveled against those local municipalities that, whether out of convenience or outright refusal, fail to adhere to the established procedure for Estonian-language official business, demanding that they improve their political culture.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation is described within the framework of the Constitutional Committee, where the positions of the Ministry of Justice and the Government of the Republic regarding their non-support of the draft legislation were heard. The speaker is open to cooperating with supervisory bodies (the Language Inspectorate, the Language Board) to find solutions for ensuring language compliance, preferring this approach to amending the Election Act.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the local government level and national language policy, particularly the organization of Estonian-language administrative work within local municipalities. The text mentions the necessity of considering the interests of Russian native speakers at the local level, referencing regions where language issues are more acute.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is language policy and democratic inclusion at the local level. The speaker supports proficiency in the state language but emphasizes that the C1 level should not be an obstacle to participating in the council’s work, as this would also restrict the participation of Estonian citizens and high school graduates. Furthermore, the representation of voters’ interests is emphasized, regardless of the language proficiency of both the council member and the voter.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is the rejection of Draft Bill 166 SE (Draft Act on Amendments to the Local Government Council Election Act). The priority is strengthening the supervision of the implementation of existing laws (Estonian-language administration) by granting additional powers to the Language Inspectorate and the Language Board.
7 Speeches Analyzed