Agenda Profile: Vilja Toomast
Draft Law Amending the Penal Code (490 SE) – First Reading
2024-11-14
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
The speaker presented the legal committee's position, which was aimed at rejecting Kalle Grünthal's draft bill (490 SE), thus supporting the government's stance. This position was strongly policy- and value-based, emphasizing the need to retain the provision of the Penal Code in connection with Russia's ongoing war of aggression and the protection of public order. The committee's proposal to reject the draft bill was adopted by consensus.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the legislative process and the organization of the Legal Affairs Committee's work, accurately relaying the minutes and procedural decisions. He/She details the Ministry of Justice’s legal arguments against the invalidation of the criminal law provision, focusing on the precise definition of the elements of the offense (corpus delicti) and the objectives of the provision. Furthermore, he/she is knowledgeable regarding issues related to the termination and challenging of proceedings.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, neutral, and strictly procedural, focusing on conveying the minutes and discussions of the Legal Committee meeting. The presenter balances the logical arguments of various parties (the government, the bill's initiator, the committee chairman), while avoiding emotional appeals. The presentation is comprehensive and adheres to a chronological structure.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker’s mode of activity includes participation in the work of the Legal Affairs Committee (on November 4th) and the presentation of those results to the Riigikogu plenary session (on November 14th). He/She has been appointed as the representative of the lead committee for the first reading of the bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker opposes the bill initiated by Kalle Grünthal, whose rejection the commission had unanimously recommended, thereby supporting the retention of the current legal norm. The criticism leveled by the bill's initiator against the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) for its incompetent and unlawful response is indirectly highlighted.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is consensus-based, given that all three procedural decisions were adopted unanimously by the Legal Affairs Committee. The speaker is collaborating with both the committee chairman (Andre Hanimägi) and the ministry representatives, posing questions to them.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is ensuring public order and security through the prohibition of aggression symbolism, which protects victims from humiliation and intimidation. The discussion also addressed the right to challenge police procedures and the accountability of officials for the improper application of the law.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the Draft Act Amending the Penal Code (490 SE), which concerns the prohibition of symbols of aggression. The speaker is the representative of the lead committee, whose task is to submit a proposal for the rejection of the bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed