Agenda Profile: Urve Tiidus
Draft law amending the Construction Code and other laws (655 SE) – first reading
2025-09-10
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The speaker strongly supports the processing of Bill 655 SE, which focuses on relaxing communications infrastructure regulations and reducing market failure. This position is policy-driven and focused on effectiveness, emphasizing the need to accelerate internet availability, especially in sparsely populated areas. Support is given to reviewing existing restrictions (e.g., the distance of masts from roads, cable installation depth) based on precedents set by Sweden and the Nordic countries.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates strong expertise regarding telecommunications infrastructure regulations, employing precise terminology such as communication conduit, milling/routing, and fiber optic cable. He references technical explanations (Tõnu Nirk) and cites international (Sweden, the Nordic countries) and EU regulations. His brief remarks also illustrate an ability to explain market economy principles (the volume of consumers determines the diameter of the conduit) using straightforward physical logic.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, neutral, and procedural, typical of a commission report that focuses on summarizing the discussion and presenting facts. The speaker uses logical and relevant arguments, avoids emotional appeals, and emphasizes decisions reached by consensus.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The primary course of action is related to legislative procedures, specifically the reporting of the summaries of the Economic Affairs Committee session (June 16th) and the first reading of the draft bill to the Plenary Assembly (September 10th). The speaker’s role is to mediate the discussion between the experts (the Minister and the ministry representative) and the committee members.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct political opposition or criticism aimed at other political parties. Criticism is instead directed at outdated or overly strict regulations, such as the requirements set by the Transport Authority and the conditions imposed by local governments (LG), which are impeding the development of communication networks.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is consensual and open, as the decisions of the Economic Affairs Committee regarding the handling of the draft bill were adopted by consensus. Emphasis is placed on close cooperation with government representatives (Minister Pakosta) and ministry experts (Tõnu Nirk) during the substantive discussion of the topic.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong focus is placed on developing the national communications infrastructure, with particular attention paid to the challenge of providing high-speed internet access to residents in sparsely populated areas. The role of local municipalities (KOV) is also emphasized in issuing construction permits and installing antennas, which highlights the importance of implementation at the local level.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It supports economic efficiency and competition within the communications sector, stressing the reduction of market failure through the relaxation of regulations. The obligation for infrastructure sharing (an EU regulation) is supported, and amendments to the law are viewed as an investment incentive, since leasing is reportedly more expensive than building the infrastructure independently.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social focus is ensuring fast internet access for people living in sparsely populated areas, treating it as an essential service. Sensitive topics are also being addressed, such as the installation of antennas near churches and kindergartens. It is emphasized that this must occur by mutual agreement between the parties and must take architectural compatibility into account.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is Draft Act 655 SE, which proposes amendments to the Building Code and other legislation. The goal of this bill is to update and ease the requirements for establishing communications infrastructure. The speaker is a proponent of the draft act and serves as the committee's rapporteur, emphasizing the bill's role in planning the work of communications operators.
4 Speeches Analyzed