Agenda Profile: Andre Hanimägi
Draft law amending the Code of Civil Procedure and other laws (establishing procedure for collective redress actions) – second reading (334 SE)
2024-12-11
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position strongly supports the establishment of the collective representative action procedure (Draft Bill 334 SE), emphasizing its importance in consumer protection. The position is pragmatic and policy-driven, focusing on adapting the European Union directive to Estonian circumstances, taking into account the limited development of local consumer associations. The introduction of differentiated thresholds is supported to encourage the activities of both NGOs and administrative authorities in representing consumers.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a high level of expertise in both the legislative process and civil litigation, showing familiarity with the lengthy procedural history of the draft legislation. The analysis is detailed, covering technical matters such as consumer limits (10 vs 20) and the role of competent administrative bodies (the Financial Supervision Authority, the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority) in initiating collective action. Specific proposers of amendments (the Ministry of Justice, the Chamber of Notaries) are cited.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, neutral, and procedural, making it suitable for the role of rapporteur for the legal commission. The focus is on logical appeal, presenting summaries of the commission's deliberations, consensus decisions, and the course of proceedings. Emotional or personal appeals are not employed; the emphasis is placed solely on communicating facts and decisions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity has focused on structured legislative work within the committee, citing participation in three specific Legal Affairs Committee sessions (February 13, December 2, December 9, 2024) dedicated to the preparation of the draft legislation. The speaker is an active procedural leader, making proposals for the timing of subsequent procedural steps.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Specific political opponents or critics are neither named nor criticized. The only opposition addressed concerns the realistic nature of the directive's goal (the formation of consumer associations) within the Estonian cultural sphere, which necessitated the involvement of state institutions. The criticism is directed more towards the cultural and social context than towards political forces.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style is consensus-based and inclusive, emphasizing that all four amendment proposals were initiated and adopted by consensus. Cooperation was also carried out with government agencies and professional associations whose proposals were discussed (the Ministry of Justice, the Financial Supervision Authority, and the Chamber of Notaries). The goal was to find a common solution regarding the thresholds and the competent authorities.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is both national and international, dealing with the transposition of the European Union directive and the protection of Estonian consumers, both domestically and across borders. There are no references to specific local authorities, regions, or electoral districts.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are regulatory, supporting consumer protection through collective representative action. This requires a willingness to regulate market relations and involve supervisory authorities (Finantsinspektsioon, TTJA) to guarantee these rights. Direct positions on taxes or budgetary discipline are not presented.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue revolves around consumer protection and securing consumer rights. The discussion also addresses the role of civil society, with the hope being expressed that the law's implementation will encourage the formation of consumer associations, even while acknowledging the specific characteristics of the Estonian cultural environment in this area.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the successful and rapid processing of Draft Bill 334 SE (procedure for collective representative actions). The speaker supports the bill and acts as its procedural leader, having proposed that the second reading be concluded and the bill sent to the third reading by December 18th. Significant achievements include the adoption of consensus amendments concerning thresholds and competent authorities.
1 Speeches Analyzed