Agenda Profile: Vilja Toomast
Second Reading of the Draft Act on the Amendment of the Penal Code and Related Acts (Increase of the Fine Unit) (Bill 415 SE)
2024-06-06
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The proponent strongly supports the government-initiated bill to raise the unit fine, stressing that the main goal is to improve public compliance with the law and overall discipline. Generating revenue for the state budget is viewed as a secondary objective, which, they note, is "nothing to be ashamed of." This stance is clearly policy- and value-driven, focusing on the impact of penalties on behavior.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a deep understanding of the procedural processes of the Legal Affairs Committee, including a detailed presentation of the submitted opinions (the Prosecutor’s Office, the Chamber of Commerce, Ginter) and the proposed amendments (by the Centre Party faction). He explains technical aspects, such as the rationale behind increasing the fine unit and the option for paying fines in installments. Furthermore, he is able to justify why the proposal to link fines to income was excluded from the draft legislation (citing complexity and the risk of income concealment).
10 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is formal and procedural, focusing on the neutral presentation of the commission's decisions and voting results. He uses logical arguments to justify the doubling of fines and the complexity of linking them to income. There are also emotional appeals, emphasizing that the experience of a fine or detention center stays with a person for life and makes them more careful.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's activity pattern is linked to reporting on the legislative process, focusing specifically on the Legal Affairs Committee session on May 28 and the presentation of the draft bill's schedule (June 4, 5, and 12). His role is to present the committee's positions and answer questions during the plenary session.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation was with the Center Party faction, which submitted four amendments opposing the doubling of fine rates for parking violations, fare evasion, and driving a vehicle that fails technical requirements. The criticism was policy- and substance-based, but the committee rejected all the Center Party’s proposals by a clear majority. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry was also against raising the fine unit.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative approach is presented as an internal consensus within the committee, where the majority rejected both external proposals and the amendments put forth by the Centre Party faction. A lack of openness to compromise is demonstrated, as the committee's position was to disregard the proposed amendments, with the exception of one procedural change.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
There is no regional focus; the emphasis is placed solely on national legislation. Local municipalities (Tallinn/Municipal Police, Rakvere, Pärnu) are briefly mentioned regarding the collection of fines that accrue to the local government budget, but this is purely illustrative.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views support increasing state budget revenues through fines, noting that this is "nothing wrong." The speaker opposes linking fine rates to income, citing the complexity and the potential risk of income concealment. He/She emphasizes that fines can be paid in installments, alleviating the economic burden.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue revolves around increasing compliance with the law through penalties, emphasizing that fines and alternatives (such as detention) are necessary for disciplining behavior. It is stressed that ignorance of the law does not absolve responsibility, and that fines are necessary to prevent carelessness and negligence.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on processing the draft bill amending the Penal Code (415 SE), which aims to increase the fine unit and double the existing fine rates. The speaker is a strong proponent of the bill and serves as the rapporteur for the Legal Affairs Committee, overseeing the procedures for the second reading. He emphasizes the necessity of standardizing the fine rates in line with the government's rationale.
10 Speeches Analyzed