Agenda Profile: Jaak Aab
Continuation of the second reading of the draft law amending the Competition Act and, in connection therewith, amending other laws (609 SE)
2025-06-11
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The speaker strongly advocates for strengthening competition supervision and protecting consumers against unfair market practices. He voiced clear opposition to the current draft bill, deeming it overly complicated and influenced by lobbyists. As a social democrat, he stressed the necessity of safeguarding a fair market economy and sharply criticized the shifting stances of the Reform Party and Estonia 200.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound knowledge of competition law, European Union directives, and legislative processes. He/She refers to specific price analyses, data from the Statistical Office, and comparisons of the Baltic states. Furthermore, he/she also shows a good understanding of administrative and judicial procedures, as well as experiences prior to the pharmacy reform.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker employs an emotional and combative tone, blending it with fact-based arguments. They utilize metaphors ("a dance around the steam boiler") and rhetorical questions to underscore their position. The style is direct and critical, particularly regarding the opposition forces.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker has been actively involved in the Competition Act process for about a year and a half. They have participated in the work of the Economic Affairs Committee as its chairman and communicated with the Chancellery of the Supreme Court. They mention recurring intra-coalition disputes and committee meetings held with representatives of the Bar Association.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker sharply criticizes Eesti 200 and the Reform Party for changing their stances. He accuses them of lacking principles and governing merely for the sake of governing. He also criticizes the lobbying activities of the Bar Association and compares the situation to the pharmacy reform, which he considers a failure.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker demonstrates openness to cooperating with the Competition Authority and supports constructive dialogue between businesses and the agency. He/She stresses the need for clear rules that would allow companies to correct errors made out of ignorance through cooperation, rather than resorting to lengthy litigation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data is available.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker strongly supports a fair market economy and competition. He/She criticizes the unreasonably large profits generated by oligopolistic and monopolistic companies and calls for consumers to be protected from high prices. The speaker emphasizes the state’s role in establishing and overseeing competition regulations.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data is available.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker focuses on amendments to the Competition Act and supports the reintroduction of the previous draft bill, which provided for simpler administrative procedures. He proposes suspending the second reading of the current bill and supporting the Social Democrats' amendment proposal, which would reinstate the content of the earlier draft.
3 Speeches Analyzed