Session Profile: Vilja Toomast
XV Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-22
Political Position
The political position is moderately supportive of the bill initiated by the Government of the Republic to amend the Names Act (SE 719), which focuses on modernizing the name change process. Support is aimed at implementing a convenient e-application, while emphasizing that necessary official-based control mechanisms will remain in place for criminals and other special cases. The framing of the bill is clearly centered on policy and administrative procedures.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in name law, the scope of work of civil registry officials, and administrative procedures. He/She addresses detailed legal restrictions (e.g., the prohibition on using the names of well-known individuals) and refers to explanations provided by Ministry of Interior specialists (Enel Pungas). Specific data is presented, such as the annual number of name changes in Estonia (a little over 2,000 cases).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, neutral, and procedural, which is typical of a committee report. The tone is objective, focusing on conveying the Legal Committee's discussion, the issues raised, and the consensus decisions. Logical arguments are employed, and reference is made to the practical impact and limitations of the legislative amendment (e.g., the role of the Estonian Language Institute in grammatical assessment).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity demonstrates active participation in the legislative process, fulfilling the role of the lead committee's representative during the presentation of the draft bill to the plenary session. The speaker reported on the Legal Affairs Committee meeting held on October 6th and submitted proposals for placing the draft bill on the agenda for October 22nd. He/She was also appointed as the representative of the lead committee for further proceedings.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct confrontation; the speaker addresses concerns raised by colleagues (such as name changes for offenders), but treats them as questions that the ministry has already answered exhaustively. Rather than criticizing, the emphasis is placed on the fact that sufficient safeguards are retained in the law.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation was consensual and open, emphasizing that all committee decisions concerning the further processing of the draft legislation were reached by consensus. The active participation of colleagues (Heljo Pikhof, Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski) in posing questions during the committee proceedings is noted. Reference is also made to the assistance provided by officials from the Ministry of the Interior in responding to these questions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus relates to the accessibility of state administrative services, emphasizing four regions where vital statistics registrars remain active: Tallinn, Tartu, Pärnu, and Jõhvi. There are no other specific regional projects or interests.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspectives are pragmatic and support the development of a new application, provided that funding from European funds is available for it. The impact of the draft regulation on state fees and administrative burden has been assessed as relatively minor.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues discussed are the freedom of choosing a personal name and its restrictions, especially concerning perpetrators of crimes, while ensuring security. The topic of gender-neutral names and the assessment of a name's grammatical suitability by the Estonian Language Institute are also addressed.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft bill (SE 719) amending the Name Act and the State Fee Act, the purpose of which is simplifying the name change process via an e-application. The speaker is a procedural supporter, proposing to conclude the first reading and setting a deadline for amendments.
1 Speeches Analyzed