Agenda Profile: Kalle Grünthal
Draft law amending the Public Transport Act (578 SE) - First Reading
2025-04-15
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
Political Position
The political position is strongly regulatory and value-based, focusing on bringing the Public Transport Act into compliance with the Constitution to ensure equal treatment. The speaker demands a restoration of order in the taxi sector, protecting traditional taxi drivers and consumers from the unfair competition posed by platform services (Bolt). The stance is firm and highly critical of the government's passivity.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the Public Transport Act, the Language Act (Sections 26, 27), and the Information Society Services Act (Section 2, point 1), referencing specific legal acts. The expertise covers quality requirements for taxi services, such as B1 level language proficiency, technical inspection, and the use of taximeters, as well as deficiencies in the control mechanisms.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative, urgent, and sharply critical, employing emotional examples (such as drivers unfamiliar with the city or those who don't speak the local language) and strong language (e.g., "Ugri-Mugri language," "bogus taxi drivers"). Legal arguments are bolstered by anecdotal stories of personal experiences and complaints from other taxi drivers, all to highlight deficiencies in consumer safety.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Prior to submitting the draft bill, communication took place with numerous Forus taxi drivers to gather information regarding market issues. The speaker references their participation in the committee session and mentions receiving a personal negative reaction (an angry, abusive letter) following the bill's submission.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The strongest criticism is directed at the platform service provider Bolt, who is accused of aggressive lobbying and aiming to achieve a monopoly in the market by squeezing out traditional taxis. The position of the Government of the Republic is also criticized for rejecting the draft bill using unsubstantiated and flimsy justifications.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is acting as the proponent of the draft legislation, seeking support from members of the Riigikogu to establish regulation within the taxi sector. He expresses a willingness to accept amendments to the bill, but remains resolute in his stance regarding the protection of the principles of the rule of law and equal treatment.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the Estonian taxi industry and urban planning, citing examples from Tallinn (the TalTech route, the exam scheme operating near the airport) and noting the complaints raised by Rakvere taxi drivers. The problem is framed as an issue of national regulation that affects local services.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives advocate for strict governmental regulation to ensure a level playing field within the same business sector. Platform services are required to assume the same obligations (such as taximeters and regular technical inspections) as traditional taxis, in order to prevent unfair market distortion.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Heavy emphasis has been placed on meeting language requirements, demanding that taxi drivers possess B1 level Estonian proficiency, which is mandatory for service providers. Concerns are being raised that language exams are being cheated on, and that foreign drivers are unable to ensure proper communication with consumers or guarantee safety.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative priority is the initiation and support of the draft Act amending the Public Transport Act (578 SE). The goal is to harmonize requirements for taxi services and shift the control mechanisms (specifically, monitoring compliance with the Language Act) from the Language Inspectorate to the competence of MUPPO and the Police, thereby ensuring additional revenue for the state treasury in the event of violations.
5 Speeches Analyzed