Session Profile: Vilja Toomast
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Third Session, Plenary Session.
2024-04-30
Political Position
The speaker supports the proceedings regarding the amendment to the Penal Code (increasing the fine unit), having voted in favor of placing the draft bill on the agenda and concluding the first reading. His position is politically driven by the historical rationale of the legislation and the necessity of aligning the fine unit with the growth of the average wage since 2001. He emphasizes that increasing fines should primarily encourage adherence to the law, rather than merely serving as a tool for budget fulfillment.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the work of the Legal Affairs Committee and the procedural aspects of criminal law, providing a detailed summary of the discussion. They addressed technical issues such as the absence of an impact assessment, the coverage of procedural costs, and the link between the fine unit and the average salary. Furthermore, they accurately referenced Ministry of Justice officials and the content of the explanatory memorandum, thereby demonstrating expertise in the legislative process.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is highly formal, procedural, and neutral, typical of a committee rapporteur. The speaker focuses on logical argumentation, presenting the questions, the minister's replies, and the committee's voting results without personal emotional assessments. To avoid repetition, they use references to answers previously provided by the minister.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in legislative work, serving as the Legal Committee's rapporteur for Bill 415 during its first reading at the plenary session. Their pattern of activity includes presenting summaries of the committee meetings (April 16) and meticulously documenting the voting results. They also personally participated in the vote, supporting the bill's further proceedings.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker himself does not express disagreement, but accurately documents the concerns raised by the opposition (Kert Kingo, Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart, Varro Vooglaid). The criticism focused on procedural deficiencies, such as the absence of impact assessments, and the political objective—specifically, whether the fines would be used to reduce the state budget deficit. The opposition voted against proceeding with the draft bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is collaborating with the Ministry of Justice (Minister Madis Timpson) and other committee members to ensure a comprehensive debate on the draft bill. He highlights the consensus among the committee majority, specifically naming six members who voted in favor of moving the bill forward. He remains open to the submission of differing viewpoints, even if they contradict the decision made by the committee majority.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The primary focus is on national legislation and penal policy. The only regional reference is the example from Võru County concerning traffic enforcement costs, which was used to illustrate the discussion of procedural costs.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It supports the position that offenders should cover court and procedural costs, thereby avoiding placing a burden on law-abiding citizens. The increase in the fine unit is justified by economic logic, specifically by comparing it to the growth of the average wage since 2001. However, it simultaneously acknowledges the ongoing debate about whether raising fines should be used as a tool to reduce the state budget deficit.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It focuses on the social aspects of criminal law, such as the special treatment of minors regarding fine amounts and the impact of fines on repeat offenders. The discussion also touches upon whether the size of fines should depend on income in the future, although this solution is not currently being planned for misdemeanor offenses.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is Bill 415, which concerns amending the Penal Code for the purpose of increasing the unit fine. The speaker is a proponent and the rapporteur of the bill, who will ensure its consideration by the plenary session during the first reading. He/She stresses the necessity of handling the legislation as a matter of urgency.
2 Speeches Analyzed