Agenda Profile: Madis Timpson
First Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure (Criminal Jurisdiction and Destruction of Submarine Infrastructure) Bill (656 SE)
2025-10-09
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political focus is on ensuring the protection of critical underwater infrastructure and expanding criminal jurisdiction, particularly in relation to international incidents such as the damaging of the Estlink 2 cable. Support is given to Draft Bill 656 SE, which significantly raises the ceiling for financial penalties (up to 4 billion euros), to ensure a sufficient deterrent effect even in cases involving major damages. Furthermore, finding a balance between national security and citizens' rights is considered crucial when expanding surveillance activities.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Both speakers demonstrate expertise in matters of criminal law and jurisdiction, particularly concerning maritime law and international treaties (UNCLOS). The first speaker specifically refers to a Finnish court ruling and provisions of the Estonian Penal Code regarding a legal person being a victim. The rapporteur is aware of the financial thresholds stipulated in the Penal Code and the scarcity of international maritime law specialists in Estonia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is predominantly formal and analytical, focusing on legal details and procedural matters. The first speaker poses a direct and fact-based question to clarify the legal position. The rapporteur employs a neutral, summarizing tone when conveying the committee's discussion, adding a brief, slightly ironic reference to the political opposition at the outset.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The modes of operation include active participation in the legislative process, asking questions in the plenary session, and providing reports on committee meetings. The rapporteur will provide an overview of the committee meeting held on Monday, September 22nd, and proposes that the draft bill be placed on the agenda for October 8th, strictly adhering to the procedural rules.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Direct opposition is minimal, but there is a slight political jab aimed at the Reform Party concerning vandalism and damage to cars. Concern was raised in the commission regarding excessive state surveillance (a question posed by Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski), which points to the necessity of finding a balance between security and civil rights.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is consensual and open, particularly in procedural matters, where the committee's decisions (adoption of the agenda, conclusion of the first reading) were unanimous. A willingness to involve experts (maritime law specialists) is demonstrated, and further proposals regarding the international agreement are awaited from the minister.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly international, centering on the protection of Estonia’s subsea infrastructure and jurisdiction outside territorial waters. The relationship with Finland is crucial (specifically the Helsinki court ruling concerning Estlink 2), as is the broader context of international treaties with other Baltic Sea region countries.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views focus on protecting national infrastructure and ensuring financial discipline through the use of criminal law. They support the implementation of exceptionally high monetary penalties to guarantee a deterrent effect in cases of major economic damage (such as the destruction of an electrical cable), arguing that 40 million euros would not be sufficient.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues addressed was the balance between civil liberties and national security, particularly concerning the expansion of surveillance operations. It was emphasized that the courts ensure this equilibrium, as surveillance activities can only be carried out with judicial authorization, thereby preventing excessive state oversight of ordinary citizens.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on Bill 656 SE, which aims to toughen penalties for the destruction of underwater infrastructure and expand Estonian jurisdiction. The speakers are proponents and managers of the bill, ensuring its further progression in the Riigikogu, and they are also discussing the creation of international agreements for infrastructure protection.
2 Speeches Analyzed