Session Profile: Kristina Šmigun-Vähi
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
2024-10-22
Political Position
The political position focuses on supporting Draft Bill 515 amending the Customs Act, emphasizing the necessity of harmonizing the Estonian customs system with European Union regulations. Support is given to raising the fine rates to increase the discretion of the Tax and Customs Board when responding to violations committed by companies engaged in international trade. The stance is strongly procedural and politically consensual.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in parliamentary procedure and the specifics of the amendments to the Customs Act, particularly concerning fine rates, the statutory regulation of uniforms, and the transposition of EU regulations. He accurately conveys the technical explanations provided by Ministry of Finance officials, emphasizing the importance of a unified European Union customs system.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, informative, and neutral, typical of a committee rapporteur's briefing. The speaker focuses on conveying facts and procedural decisions, avoiding emotional appeals while emphasizing consensus and comprehensive answers. He/She uses the repetitive phrase "Thank you for the question" to introduce the answers.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The main pattern of activity is related to work in the Economic Affairs Committee, where he/she participated in the session on October 14 and was subsequently appointed as the representative of the lead committee for the presentation of the draft legislation to the plenary session on October 22. His/Her role is to provide the plenary session with an overview of the committee’s work and answer questions.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
No specific opponents or criticism have been identified. The speaker focuses on answering questions that were aimed more at seeking clarification than being confrontational, and constructively conveys the questions presented in the committee.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative style is consensual and cooperation-oriented, emphasizing that all three procedural decisions concerning the draft law were adopted unanimously by the committee. He/She works closely with ministry officials and the Minister of Finance, relaying their explanations.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strongly international and national, concentrating on the adoption of the European Union's unified customs system and violations related to international trade. The regulation of goods imported by the Defence Forces and tax exemptions for international organizations are also mentioned. A regional focus is absent.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives advocate for stricter regulation and increased penalties for violations committed by companies involved in international trade. The objective is to guarantee a unified customs territory and allow for greater national discretion when reacting to these violations.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on Draft Law 515, amending the Customs Act, the purpose of which is to harmonize customs procedures and increase the rates of fines. The speaker is a proponent of the bill and is advancing the proceedings, serving as a representative of the leading committee who proposed concluding the first reading.
5 Speeches Analyzed