Agenda Profile: Andre Hanimägi
The Financial Supervision Authority's 2024 Report
2025-09-11
15th Riigikogu, 6th plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance is strongly oriented towards protecting financial consumers and ensuring responsible lending, especially within the non-bank credit market. The Social Democrats stress the necessity of restricting repeat borrowing and establishing a financial ombudsman, while criticizing the lack of political will in implementing the proposed bill. The focus is policy- and value-driven, centered on reducing social vulnerability within the financial sector.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in financial supervision, consumer protection, and the regulation of the credit market. Technical terms are used, such as the total cost of credit, responsible lending, and the positive credit register, and reference is made to a comprehensive study by the University of Tartu concerning the non-bank credit market. This expertise is focused on solutions that would reduce the burden on the courts and ensure legal certainty.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal and respectful towards the Financial Supervisory Authority, but becomes demanding and urgent concerning the legislative delays. The appeal is primarily logical and fact-based, relying on data (inconsistent court practice, the increasing trend of fraud) to support political solutions. The address concludes with a direct and intense call for the draft law to be taken out of the drawer.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Insufficient data exists regarding the frequency or patterns of these occurrences, as the analysis is based on a single speech delivered during the discussion of the Financial Supervisory Authority’s 2024 report. The speaker refers to the Social Democrats’ previous repeated references to concerns within the non-bank credit market.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
No direct political opponents are named, but there is sharp criticism of the lack of political will, which has hindered the processing of the Financial Ombudsman bill (ready in 2022). The criticism is aimed at procedural inertia and legislative delays, which leave consumers unprotected.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker strongly supports the work of the Financial Supervisory Authority and commends their contribution to consumer protection. A desire for cooperation is expressed, calling upon the Minister of Justice and others present in the chamber to support the establishment of the Financial Ombudsman, in order to resolve disputes more quickly and impartially.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the Estonian financial market and consumer protection, but Estonia's role as a regional banking center is also emphasized. SEB bank's decision to bring its Baltic headquarters specifically to Estonia is noted as a positive development.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives stress the importance of financial market transparency and responsible lending, while remaining critical of the high interest rates and the risk of debt cycles prevalent in the non-bank credit sector. Regulations are supported that limit repeat borrowing and protect consumers, thereby ensuring a fair market environment.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is raising the population's financial literacy, preventing fraud, and avoiding falling into the debt trap associated with quick loans. Social Democrats emphasize the role of consumer protection in mitigating social harm and increasing financial literacy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priorities include the establishment of a Financial Ombudsman for the swift and impartial resolution of financial disputes, and the launch of a positive credit register (set to be operational in 2028). The speaker is an active supporter and driving force behind reactivating the processing of the Financial Ombudsman draft bill, which has been left on the shelf gathering dust.
1 Speeches Analyzed