Agenda Profile: Madis Timpson
Draft law (583 SE) for the first reading regarding accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and approval of amendment to Article 20, paragraph 1, of the Convention.
2025-03-20
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
He/She supports the progression of the draft bill, stressing that the committee reached a consensus decision regarding the conclusion of the first reading. His/Her stance is procedural and politically supportive, citing the Chancellor of Justice’s previous recommendations for the adoption of the protocol. He/She further emphasizes that the protocol provides the option to appeal at the international level should domestic remedies prove unsuccessful.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Shows expertise in legislative procedure and the management of committee work, providing a detailed overview of the discussions, questions, and decisions. They possess a general understanding of how the legal system operates, noting that jurisprudence tends to be "out of touch with reality" and regulates situations retrospectively. They are capable of managing complex socio-legal discussions concerning gender definitions and international treaties.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, descriptive, and procedural, typical of a committee rapporteur's speech. The tone is neutral and informative, focusing on conveying the questions posed by colleagues and the responses provided by the ministry. The speaker uses some colloquial expressions ("topelt ei kärise" – literally, "double won't tear") and maintains control by asking those disrupting the proceedings from the floor to be quiet.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Active in legislative work, serving as the representative of the leading committee and presenting the plenary session with a detailed overview of the committee's March 10 meeting. His/Her operational pattern involves managing the processing of the draft bill and overseeing procedures, ensuring that the committee's decisions are conveyed to the full assembly.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
He/She does not express personal opposition but neutrally relays the objections raised by colleagues concerning the protocol's outdated content, the potential for discrimination against men, and the increase in bureaucracy. He/She manages the opposition's questions, directing them to ministry representatives for response, and ensures that even contentious issues (e.g., the "sauna incident") are addressed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Highly cooperative, emphasizing that all committee decisions regarding the further processing of the draft legislation were reached by consensus. He/She acts as a mediator, ensuring dialogue between ministry representatives and colleagues, and requesting written data from the ministry for submission to the committee when necessary.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It focuses on national issues (the number of domestic discrimination cases) and international issues (the UN convention, the situation in Latvia). It notes that Estonia and Latvia are the only countries that have not joined the protocol. There is no regional or local focus within Estonia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic considerations are confined to the question raised by the colleague concerning bureaucracy and costs. He conveys the minister's response that the implementation of the draft bill will not require additional funding and will be managed within the existing budget, citing fiscal responsibility.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The central theme is the elimination of discrimination against women and gender issues, including the definition of biological and social gender within the context of the convention. He/She relays the ministry's position that the convention does not define gender, and that men who have been discriminated against can appeal to the Equal Opportunities Commissioner or the court.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (583 SE). He/She is the manager and supporter of the bill's proceedings, ensuring the completion of the first reading through a consensus decision, and noting that currently there is no optional protocol concerning men's rights.
2 Speeches Analyzed