Agenda Profile: Timo Suslov
First Reading of the Draft Act Amending the Local Government Organization Act (Bill 289 SE)
2024-03-12
15th Riigikogu, 3rd plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance focuses on the rejection of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Local Government Organisation Act (289 SE). The speaker strongly supports the leading committee's decision to reject the bill (6 votes in favor of rejection), citing the government's official positions. The opposition is politically justified, emphasizing the risk that the bill would create an unbalanced binding obligation for the local government and could trigger a series of unforeseen problems.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in legislative procedure and the legal domain of local government. He/She can accurately recall the procedural history and subsequent rejection of a previous draft bill on the same topic in 2023. This expertise is based on the explanations provided by the government representative (Martin Kulp), focusing specifically on the impact of the legislative amendment on local authorities (KOVs) and the legal issue surrounding the binding obligation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, neutral, and procedural, as the speaker is acting in the capacity of the rapporteur for the steering committee. He/She focuses on conveying facts and procedural decisions, utilizing logical appeals based on government positions and prior legislative history. Emotional or personal evaluations are not employed.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The action patterns indicate the speaker's role as a representative of the steering committee, who presents the plenary session with a brief summary of the discussion and procedural decisions that took place within the committee. Participation in the committee session, which included a representative from the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, is mentioned, and reference is made to an earlier discussion held late last year.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at the initiators of the draft bill, who were represented on the committee by Ants Frosch, and also against the substantive changes proposed in the bill. The criticism is both political and substantive, stressing that the draft bill is unbalanced and will create unforeseen problems for local governments. A compromise is absent, as the committee made a definitive proposal to reject the bill (6 in favor, 1 against).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation is evident at the committee level, where the proposal to include the draft bill on the plenary agenda was a consensus decision. Regarding the substance of the matter, the speaker relies on the government's positions and the clarifications provided by the representative of the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, thereby demonstrating cooperation with the executive branch in supporting the rejection of the draft bill.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is aimed at the legal and administrative organization of local governments (LGUs). Concern is highlighted regarding the administrative capacity and autonomy of LGUs, as the draft bill creates binding obligations for them, which may lead to unforeseen problems.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on the rejection of the draft Act amending the Local Government Organization Act (Bill 289 SE) during its first reading. The speaker is acting as a representative of the leading committee, emphasizing legislative continuity and the necessity of preventing the re-processing of substantively identical bills that have already been previously rejected.
3 Speeches Analyzed