Session Profile: Pipi-Liis Siemann
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-11-03
Political Position
The speaker strongly advocates for the centralization of birth registration services into county centers, highlighting administrative efficiency, enhanced expertise, and the extensive utilization of e-services. This stance is policy-driven, focusing specifically on the early implementation of the law's provisions and the acceleration of the procedural timeline. Furthermore, the speaker defends the ministry's position concerning the creation of exceptions and changes to the current booking system, citing both financial expenditures and general impracticality.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates in-depth knowledge of both the legislative process and the management of the population registry, citing specific dates and procedural rulings. They detail the frequency with which services are provided, the necessity of training public officials, and the disbursements allocated to local governments from the state budget. Furthermore, they are well-versed in the exceptional circumstances and evidentiary requirements for registering births that occur at home.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is highly formal, procedural, and informative, focusing on a detailed presentation of the work of the Constitutional Committee. The arguments are primarily logical and evidence-based, referencing the opinions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the voting results. The speaker sharply corrects another MP (Mr. Grünthal)'s misconception regarding "mafia" and fees, while simultaneously maintaining a professional and explanatory tone.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The Speaker is an active leader in the legislative process, providing detailed reports on two committee meetings (October 20 and 21). Their pattern of activity involves representing the lead committee, introducing procedural decisions, and scheduling the plenary session agenda (November 3 and 10).
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opposition came from the Isamaa faction, whose amendment opposing centralization was not supported by the Ministry of the Interior and the leading committee (the vote was 5 in favor, 5 against). The speaker categorically rejected the accusations of "mafia" and state fees made by another MP (Mr. Grünthal), explaining that the registration of births is free of charge. He/She also noted the proposals of the Association of Cities and Municipalities, which the ministry did not deem expedient to support.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is formal and procedural, involving the participation of Ministry of the Interior officials and interest groups (the Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities, the City of Tallinn) in the committee sittings. Procedural decisions concerning the inclusion of the draft bill on the agenda and the conclusion of the second reading were made consensually, demonstrating a readiness for cross-factional agreement on procedural issues.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong focus is placed on the administrative structure of local governments and the relocation of services to county centers. The discussion directly affects all 79 local governments and their capacity to retain jurisdiction over vital statistics procedures. It is emphasized that consolidating services into county centers is necessary for maintaining a higher level of expertise.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic considerations are closely tied to administrative costs and the budget, noting that centralization does not require the hiring of additional officials in county centers. It is also emphasized that local governments receive subsidies from the state budget for performing civil status operations. The proposal to upgrade the booking system was rejected because it would incur financial costs.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social issue under consideration is the accessibility and ease of birth registration, particularly in exceptional circumstances (home births, situations involving guardianship). It is stressed that families' opportunities to register a child's birth via e-services will remain unchanged, and, where necessary, the local government is obligated to provide transport assistance to individuals who must travel to the county center.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft bill concerning the registration of births, the objective of which is to centralize jurisdiction in county centers and promote e-services. The speaker's role is that of the rapporteur for the lead committee, who coordinates the conclusion of the proceedings, rejects the Isamaa amendment, and schedules the final vote for November 10th.
6 Speeches Analyzed