Session Profile: Kristo Enn Vaga

Politically, the speaker focuses on issues concerning national defense and border guard structures, by submitting a draft resolution to the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) regarding the re-establishment of a militarized border guard as a separate agency. Although the draft itself failed to gain support in the committee (4 votes in favor, 4 against), the necessity of granting combatant status to the personnel of the PPA (Police and Border Guard Board) is stressed, along with the creation of the Baltic Defense Zone to strengthen border protection. The position is clearly policy- and institution-driven, focusing on ensuring security.

The speaker demonstrates strong expertise in the field of national defense and border guard, utilizing specific terminology such as combatant status and referencing the Defense League's border defense unit (malevkond). The presentation of knowledge is particularly thorough regarding the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act and the procedures for adopting committee decisions, explaining the requirement for a simple majority of affirmative votes. Furthermore, the speaker refers to the positions held by the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Defense concerning the necessity of legislative amendments.

The style is extremely formal, neutral, and procedural, fitting the role of the committee rapporteur. The speaker focuses on the objective presentation of facts, dates, and voting results, avoiding emotional appeals. The rhetoric is logical and based on legal and procedural arguments, repeatedly referencing sections of the law and protocol decisions.

The speaker is actively involved in the work of the National Defence Committee, acting as rapporteur for several committee sittings and decisions that took place during the period from November to March. His pattern of activity includes presenting the committee’s proceedings and standpoints to the Riigikogu plenary assembly, having been appointed as the committee’s official rapporteur for the draft bill.

The opposition (the EKRE faction) is being implicitly criticized for using procedural means, referencing the 50 obstructionist amendments submitted to the draft legislation. It is noted that these proposals overloaded the agendas of the Riigikogu plenary sessions, even though the EKRE faction later withdrew them.

The cooperative approach is open to discussing compromises, with EKRE stating its willingness to withdraw the draft legislation if an agreement is reached regarding the status of combatants. Furthermore, the National Defence Committee decided to make procedural proposals by consensus, demonstrating a readiness to agree on procedures despite existing differences of opinion.

The focus is on national security and border defense, extending to the strategic level (the creation of the Baltic defense zone). Regionally, the Northeast Territorial Defense District is mentioned in connection with the establishment of the Kaitseliit (Defense League) Border Defense Unit in October 2023.

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Regarding social issues, only the institutional aspect of state security and law enforcement is addressed, focusing on the re-establishment of a militarized border guard and the granting of combatant status to the PPA. The emphasis is placed on national defense and security.

The legislative focus centers on reforming the structures of national defense and border guard, highlighting the deliberation process for the Riigikogu's draft resolution. Crucially, the implementation of this draft resolution will necessitate, according to the assessment of the Government of the Republic and the ministries, the comprehensive evaluation and subsequent amendment of multiple laws and legal acts.