Agenda Profile: Urve Tiidus
Second Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Construction Act and Other Acts (Bill 655 SE)
2025-10-22
XV Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The speaker strongly supports the development of digital infrastructure and the modernization of the Building Code to ensure that new apartment buildings are ready for fast internet connectivity. This political stance is aimed at improving policy and efficiency, emphasizing the necessity of early planning and cost savings in infrastructure construction. The speaker rejects attempts to include irrelevant, pressing political issues (such as the symbolism of occupation regimes) in the draft bill.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a deep understanding of the legislative process and the regulation of digital infrastructure, employing specific terminology such as "active device owner" and "communication infrastructure planning." This expertise is evident in the detailed nature of the proposed amendments (e.g., clarifying cost reimbursement and ensuring legal certainty for telecom operators) and in the referencing of relevant stakeholder viewpoints.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The address is formal, procedural, and objective, typical of a steering committee report. The tone is neutral and focuses on facts, amendment numbers, and voting results ("unanimously," "2 in favor, 4 against"). Emotional or personal appeals are absent; the emphasis is on a logical and explanatory presentation.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's primary task is to present the findings of the Economic Affairs Committee to the Riigikogu plenary session. This includes detailing the discussion held within the committee (on October 14) and outlining the procedural proposals (with the final vote scheduled for November 5). The extensive involvement of stakeholders is highlighted, with a total of 50 parties having been informed about the bill's proceedings.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is opposing Amendment Proposal No. 3 from the Isamaa faction, which dealt with banning symbolism that supports occupation regimes. The criticism is both procedural and policy-based, as the proposal did not align with the regulatory scope of Draft Law 655 (the topic of digital infrastructure).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the strong cooperation and consensus within the steering committee, noting that most of the adopted amendments were passed by consensus. Close cooperation with market stakeholders is essential, particularly with the Estonian Association of Information Technology and Telecommunications and the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, whose viewpoints formed the basis for several of the adopted proposals.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Insufficient data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker advocates for regulatory clarity and predictability for telecom operators, with the aim of reducing costs and streamlining operational processes in infrastructure construction. The economic perspective is focused on supporting private sector investment and efficiency by ensuring that telecom operators have early access to the necessary information.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are indirectly raised by the amendment proposal submitted by the Isamaa faction, which dealt with the symbolism of occupation regimes. The speaker himself adopts a procedural position on this matter, stressing that this topic is not relevant to the draft legislation currently under consideration.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is on Draft Act 655 SE, concerning amendments to the Building Code and other acts, which centers on the mandatory planning of high-speed internet connection infrastructure in new apartment buildings. The speaker is a proponent of the draft act and the rapporteur for the lead committee, focusing on improving legal clarity and postponing the entry into force date until January 1, 2026.
4 Speeches Analyzed