Agenda Profile: Vilja Toomast
First Reading of the Draft Act on the Amendment of the Penal Code and the Amendment of Other Related Acts (Increasing the Fine Unit) (Bill 415 SE)
2024-04-30
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Third Session, Plenary Session.
Political Position
The speaker, presenting as the rapporteur for the Legal Affairs Committee, strongly supports the draft act amending the Penal Code (415 SE), which doubles the unit of fine. The political stance is policy-driven, emphasizing the historical proportionality of the increase in the unit of fine relative to the average wage, and the principle that offenders should cover procedural costs, although he/she concedes that securing funds for the budget is not inherently a negative outcome. The processing of the draft act was deemed urgent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a profound understanding of criminal law and procedural expenses, detailing the historical rationale behind calculating the unit fine (60 kroons, 4 euros, a potential 27 euros). The speaker is aware of the lack of impact assessments and the IT challenges involved in implementing income-based fines.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style of discourse is formal, neutral, and highly procedural, focusing on the accurate summation of the committee's debate, the questions posed, and the minister's responses. The emphasis is placed on logical argumentation and the presentation of facts (voting results, ministerial explanations), rather than on emotional appeals.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's activities involve legislative work, including presenting a report on the session of the Legal Affairs Committee held on April 16th, and conducting the first reading of the draft bill in the Riigikogu plenary session on April 30th.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker clearly describes the resistance of the opposition (Kingo, Kovalenko-Kõlvart, Vooglaid), which focused on procedural shortcomings (the absence of impact analyses) and political issues (the use of fines to cover budget deficits, the problem of repeat offenders). He/She responds defensively to the criticism, explaining the positions of the minister and the commission majority regarding why these objections were disregarded.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The Speaker is acting on behalf of the committee majority (6 members: Haugas, Odinets, Pakosta, Raidma, Randpere, Toomast) to ensure the bill progresses. He/She collaborates closely with the Ministry of Justice, transmitting the minister’s explanations and rationale.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation, but he/she referred to an example cited by a colleague concerning Võru County, where the police spend €300,000 to €400,000 annually on traffic surveillance, stressing the need to cover the procedural costs. He/She also mentioned the proposal put forth by the Viru County Court.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The position is supported that offenders should bear the procedural costs associated with their violations, and the increase in the fine unit is viewed as a moderate and justified step that aligns with the growth of the average wage. He/She does not consider securing funds for the budget through fines to be a bad practice in itself.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The text addresses the promotion of legal compliance through increased fines and touches upon the specific fine rates for minors (up to 18 years old), noting that these rates will essentially remain the same under the new rules. It also highlights the effectiveness of police surveillance methods, such as automated speed cameras.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the rapid processing and completion of the first reading of the Act on Amendments to the Penal Code and related amendments to other acts (Bill 415 SE). The speaker supports the bill and has been appointed as the rapporteur by the committee.
2 Speeches Analyzed