Session Profile: Pipi-Liis Siemann
15th Riigikogu, 3rd plenary sitting
2024-03-12
Political Position
The political emphasis is on ensuring national security and the protection of state secrets, particularly regarding the security vetting of individuals who hold post-of-duty access. The speaker supports the broader objective of the draft bill but opposes its narrow scope, stressing the need to address the issue comprehensively and by amending all related provisions. This stance is policy- and procedure-based, criticizing the creation of a single exception instead of implementing a systemic solution.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the regulations governing state secrets and access to classified information, technically explaining the differences between ex officio access and a security clearance. This expertise is based on discussions held by the Constitutional Committee, which included representatives from the Ministry of the Interior and the Security Police (Kapo). He/She is capable of explaining the validity periods of the certificates and the necessity of checks concerning information related to international treaties.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, explanatory, and procedural, focusing on logical arguments and legal terminology. The speaker emphasizes responsibility and seriousness when addressing security issues and uses metaphors (e.g., the hammer and nail comparison) to criticize a narrow solution. He answers questions directly, but often refers to committee discussions or other institutions (Kapo, special committee) when he lacks personal information.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker acts as the rapporteur for the Constitutional Committee during the plenary session of the Riigikogu, presenting the committee's procedural decisions and the substance of the debates. This pattern of activity indicates active involvement in legislative processes and committee work, referencing sittings that occurred as early as November 2023.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at a specific draft bill. While its initiators are not directly criticized, the proposed solution is viewed as too narrow and insufficient for enhancing security. The criticism is policy- and procedure-based, stressing that ensuring security requires a complex and systemic approach, rather than creating isolated exceptions. The commission proposed rejecting the draft bill, with two dissenting votes.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker described the cooperation within the Constitutional Committee, noting that the discussion was substantive and the objective was understood regardless of party affiliation. The procedural decision to reject the draft bill was made almost unanimously (with two votes against). They also referred to the government's position and future inter-ministerial cooperation (between the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Defence) for a comprehensive analysis of the issue.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
No data available. The discussion focuses exclusively on the topics of national security, legislation, and central government procedures.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic considerations address only the practical side of security controls, noting that ongoing continuous monitoring is not deemed expedient as it would incur costs. The bill’s claimed lack of expenditure is challenged, with preference given to a cost-effective and holistic approach.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is national security and the prevention of anti-state offenses, highlighting the necessity of protecting state secrets and guaranteeing the trustworthiness of officials. Security provision relies on the operations and oversight of Kapo (Internal Security Service), affirming that security is a priority and no concessions will be made.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the laws regulating access to state secrets and classified foreign information, as well as the need to amend position-based access control. The speaker supports the rejection of the specific draft bill but backs the broader objective and calls for the political will necessary for complex legislative reform.
9 Speeches Analyzed