Agenda Profile: Riina Sikkut
Re-examination of the Act Amending the Act Preventing Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing and the Act on International Sanctions (640 UA), which was not announced by the President of the Republic
2025-09-17
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting.
Political Position
The political position centers on balancing data usage and privacy within the e-state, emphasizing the need to ensure public trust while simultaneously enabling law enforcement agencies (RAB, MTA) to utilize modern technology. The speaker and the Social Democrats do not support the adoption of the specific law (640 UA) in its current form, but they insist on continuing substantive discussions. This position is strongly value-based, stressing constitutional compliance and the cultivation of trust.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the fields of data usage, trust in the e-government, IT security investments, and supervisory mechanisms (both internal and parliamentary). They emphasize the necessity of establishing a legislative foundation for data use and reference the Chancellor of Justice’s position that decisions must be made by a person, not a machine. The expertise also includes understanding the operational needs of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the Tax and Customs Board (ETCB) in the fight against modern crime.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is analytical and substantive, urging colleagues to "set aside emotion" and concentrate instead on accountability and comprehensive discussion. Logical appeals are employed, illustrating the technological divide (an ordinary pencil and binoculars versus the latest technology) and stressing the critical need to establish a legislative foundation. The tone is formal, yet expresses concern regarding privacy risks and inadequate oversight.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The mode of operation is confined to the debates held in the parliamentary chamber, particularly concerning the reconsideration of the law that the President of the Republic declined to promulgate. The speaker also connects these ongoing discussions with the budget negotiations, stressing the necessity of investments.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at colleagues who employ excessive emotion (such as talking "about totalitarianism, who about raccoons") or make unrealistic appeals to avoid discussing the issues. Direct criticism was leveled at Kalle Grünthal for misrepresenting the speaker's position, particularly regarding the Eesti 200 concept of a "personal state," which the speaker actually opposes due to its privacy-infringing nature.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperative style is open to substantive discussion, noting that there is "complete consensus" in the chamber regarding the need to amend the law. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of finding a balance between privacy and the confidentiality of the proceedings, which signals a willingness to compromise, provided the discussions are substantive and thorough.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national issues, such as the trustworthiness of the e-government, data usage, and the mandate of the Financial Intelligence Unit (RAB). There is no regional focus.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives emphasize the necessity of continuous investment in the security of IT systems, particularly in light of establishing the legal framework for data usage. Warnings have been issued against cutting costs by reducing IT investments, as this could pose significant security risks. This stance has been presented within the context of budget negotiations.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Civil liberties and privacy are at the forefront of social issues, particularly in the context of the e-state, where it is crucial to ensure that individuals can see who is using their data. Concerns have been raised regarding proactive decisions made by machines based on data, as well as the privacy-infringing nature of the Eesti 200 concept of the "personal state."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the renewed discussion of the Act amending the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention Act and the International Sanctions Act (640 UA). The goal is to establish legal grounds for the use of data and the implementation of new technologies by law enforcement agencies, while simultaneously mitigating privacy risks and ensuring adequate oversight. The speaker is more of a proponent and initiator of the amendments than an acceptor of the law as it currently stands.
2 Speeches Analyzed