Session Profile: Vilja Toomast
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
2024-06-05
Political Position
The political stance is one of strong support for the draft legislation initiated by the Government of the Republic to amend the Penal Code, which stipulates the doubling of the fine unit and the fine rates. The objective of the bill is emphasized as modifying behavior toward greater law-abidance and disciplining the populace, rather than merely collecting revenue. This position is rooted in policy and values, highlighting the critical importance of upholding the law and accountability.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the work of the Committee on Legal Affairs and the legislative procedure, providing detailed summaries of the discussions surrounding Draft Bill 415. He addresses technical terminology such as the fine unit, the minimum daily fine rate, and various procedures (the warning procedure, the expedited procedure). Furthermore, he explains the Ministry of Justice’s rationale for uniformly doubling the fine rates and justifies the rejection of linking fines to income.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is predominantly formal, explanatory, and procedure-centric, focusing on the neutral conveyance of the commission’s decisions and voting results. Although logical arguments are presented (e.g., the complexity of linking [the fine] to income), a didactic tone and one emphasizing personal experience are also employed to describe the deterrent effect of the fine. The speaker firmly emphasizes that ignorance of the law does not absolve one of responsibility.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's pattern of activity is linked to the role of rapporteur for the Legal Affairs Committee, providing the plenary with a detailed overview of the committee meeting (held on May 28th) and the resulting procedural decisions. He/She actively participates in setting the timetable for processing the draft bill and defining the procedural steps (e.g., concluding the second reading and setting the date for the final vote).
10 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opposition came from the Centre Party faction, which submitted four amendments opposing the doubling of fine rates (e.g., fines for riding without a ticket and parking fines). The speaker also rejected the proposals put forward by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Chamber of Bailiffs and Bankruptcy Trustees, and Professor Jaan Ginter, as they were not directly related to the draft bill or were insufficiently elaborated. The opposition is treated neutrally, highlighting the committee's voting results (2 in favor, 5 against the Centre Party's proposals).
10 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is pragmatic and procedure-centered, focusing on intra-committee consensus (e.g., the committee's own amendment proposal was adopted with 6 votes in favor). The committee collaborated with the Ministry of Justice and partially considered earlier proposals (e.g., those submitted by the Estonian Association of Cities and Municipalities). However, proposals that concerned other laws or were insufficiently analyzed were rejected.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation (amendment of the Penal Code), which affects all residents of Estonia. The regional aspect concerns the mechanism for collecting fines, mentioning that the fines go into the local government budget, and referring to the activities of MUPO (Municipal Police) in Tallinn and controls in Rakvere or Pärnu.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic view supports generating state budget revenue through fines, though this remains a secondary objective, not a "moral failing." The speaker defended the rationale for doubling the fines, pointing to the growing disproportion between the minimum wage and the fine unit over time. He rejected the proposal to tie fines to income, citing administrative complexity and the risk of income concealment.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is on increasing compliance with the law and disciplining behavior through fines, emphasizing that a fine serves as a memorable warning. Personal responsibility is highlighted, along with the principle that ignorance of the law does not exempt one from punishment. At the same time, it is mentioned that fines can be paid in installments, offering flexibility in cases of payment difficulties.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on Bill 415, which proposes amendments to the Penal Code aimed at increasing the unit fine. The speaker is a strong proponent of the bill and serves as the rapporteur for the Legal Affairs Committee, responsible for reviewing proposed amendments and making procedural decisions. He emphasizes the necessity of avoiding legislative overlaps, proposing that a provision be removed from the bill because it duplicates amendments to the Traffic Act currently under discussion in the Economic Affairs Committee.
10 Speeches Analyzed