Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Continuation of the second reading of the draft law amending the Child Protection Act and other laws (427 SE)
2024-12-03
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political emphasis is placed on ensuring the safety of children and preventing pedophiles from holding positions that involve working with minors. There is strong opposition to draft bill 427 SE, as replacing outright prohibitions with mere restrictions increases risks and creates significant security vulnerabilities. This approach is value-based, stressing the protection of children and the crucial role of an independent judiciary, and we support the termination of the bill’s proceedings.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the fields of criminal law and administrative procedure, particularly concerning restrictions on working with children and the deletion of criminal record data. Emphasis is placed on legal competence, and criticism is directed at the transfer of the assessment mechanism from the Justice Authorities to the level of the Social Insurance Board and various ministries. Specific legal issues are mentioned, such as changing one's name to conceal a conviction and the crucial importance of the personal identification code during verification.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is serious, concerned, and at times sharp, focusing on the threat to children's safety and criticizing the rushing of the procedure. Both logical arguments (judicial independence, administrative burden) and emotional appeals (reference to pedophiles and the threat of vigilantism) are employed. The style is formal, yet it includes direct questions and demands for dialogue, accusing the opposing side of evading answers.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The activity pattern focuses on the debate surrounding the second reading of the Draft Law (427 SE) in the Riigikogu chamber and the defense of the amendments proposed by the Social Affairs Committee. The speaker actively participates by asking questions and delivering longer speeches to explain the opposition's positions and demand the termination of the proceedings.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at the coalition and the majority of the Social Affairs Committee, who rejected Isamaa’s "very reasonable" amendments. Opponents are accused of avoiding dialogue, rushing the process, and diminishing the role of the judiciary by moving assessments out of the public eye. The bill’s presenters (Eero and Madis Timpson) are also separately criticized for sidestepping questions.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is pragmatic, yet frustrated; four specific amendments were proposed, but these failed to gain support due to the coalition's voting majority. Madis Timpson, the Chairman of the Social Affairs Committee, is thanked for suspending the processing of the draft bill, but it is stressed that there is insufficient dialogue with the opposition.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic standpoints indirectly concern the increase in administrative burden for employers and authorities related to new control obligations. Concern is also mentioned regarding the low salaries and staff shortages in educational institutions (especially teacher assistants), which creates fertile ground for risks arising from rushed recruitment.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is child safety and the prevention of pedophilia, demanding a lifetime ban on working with children for certain crimes. The priority of safety is emphasized, and concern is expressed that softening the law without an assessment by the justice system could lead to the emergence of vigilantism.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on discontinuing the proceedings for Bill 427 SE (Amendments to the Child Protection Act) and changing its content. The priority was to add crimes to the list for which the restriction on working with children remains in effect even after criminal records have been expunged, such as the sale and purchase of a child and crimes related to terrorism. It was also desired to transfer the assessment competence from the Social Insurance Board to the Prosecutor's Office.
5 Speeches Analyzed