Session Profile: Jaak Aab
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
2025-06-17
Political Position
The speaker articulates the Social Democrats’ clear and firm stance on competition matters, offering strong support for fair competition and robust oversight. He voices powerful opposition to the competition law amendments put forward by the Reform Party and Estonia 200 government, viewing them as serving the interests of monopolistic enterprises. The speaker stresses that the state must guarantee fair competition by implementing clear rules and effective supervision.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound knowledge of competition law and the legislative process, referencing specific directives, draft legislation, and the intricacies of administrative procedure. They utilize accurate data concerning price analyses across the Baltic and Nordic countries, and exhibit a comprehensive grasp of the operational mechanisms of the Competition Authority. Furthermore, the speaker is well versed in the history of legislative proceedings and the stances held by various political parties.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker employs a factual and analytical approach, combining it with emotional persuasive power. They begin politely ("Honored Chairman! Esteemed Riigikogu!"), but gradually become more critical and start using increasingly direct language. The speaker refutes the arguments of the opposing sides ("That is not true!") and uses specific examples to support their views.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker points out that they have been discussing "the same issue here for the umpteenth time," which demonstrates a pattern of consistent and repetitive handling of the topic. They mention active discussions with members of the Reform Party in the Economic Affairs Committee and with former ministers, as well as requesting official assistance from the Chancellery of the Supreme Court. The speaker has served as the chairman of the Economic Affairs Committee and has been actively involved in the legislative process.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker sharply criticizes the Reform Party and the Eesti 200 government, accusing them of hindering competition supervision and serving the interests of monopolistic enterprises. He/She expresses particularly strong criticism towards Liisa-Ly Pakosta and points to possible undue influence. The speaker calls upon members of the Reform Party to rediscover their former resolve and not support the current draft bill.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker demonstrates a willingness to cooperate, referring to the administrative procedure as "cooperation between the undertaking and the Competition Authority." He refers back to previous shared understandings with members of the Reform Party and former ministers, but expresses disappointment regarding the current lack of cooperation. The speaker emphasizes the need to find "a substantively correct solution and also a formally correct solution."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker focuses on the specific characteristics of Estonia as a small state, emphasizing that "clear rules of competition law are crucial precisely for a small state like Estonia." He/She compares Estonia's situation with the Baltic and Nordic countries, but does not address specific regional issues within the country.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker advocates for strong state intervention in the economy to ensure competition, asserting that "fair competition guarantees fair prices for both household consumers and businesses." He criticizes the "unreasonably large profits" of monopolistic companies and demands that the Competition Authority be given better regulatory tools. The speaker also expresses concern regarding high prices compared to other countries.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is not enough data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker is focusing on amendments to the Competition Act and the transposition of the European Union Competition Directive. He/She has actively participated in the proceedings of two different draft bills, supporting the first and opposing the second. The speaker emphasizes the need to provide the Competition Authority with better tools and adequate resources, and calls for the current draft bill not to be supported in the final vote.
3 Speeches Analyzed