Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Draft law amending the Public Transport Act (578 SE) - First Reading
2025-04-15
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
Political Position
The political stance is highly regulatory, underscoring the necessity of guaranteeing equal treatment within the taxi sector and eliminating unfair competition posed by ride-sharing service providers. The speaker places the safety of the Estonian populace and compliance with language requirements at the forefront, while criticizing the coalition's opposition to the proposed bill. The overall framing is policy- and value-driven, centered on the protection of Estonian citizens.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the Public Transport Act and taxi transport regulations, referencing specific chapters of the law and legal issues (e.g., unfair competition). Specific knowledge is also highlighted concerning the deficiencies in the control and geographical issuance of licenses for ride-sharing service providers. Technical terms such as "ride-sharing service" and "requirements for taxi transport" are utilized.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and concerned, highlighting themes of security and injustice. Direct questions ("How do you feel?") are used to call into question the motives of coalition politicians. The argumentation is primarily logical and relies on legal statutes, emphasizing the necessity of protecting the Estonian people.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are coalition politicians and officials, who are facing criticism for resisting a necessary legal amendment. The scrutiny is directed both at the policy (which permits unfair competition) and at their motives, raising questions about whose interests they are truly serving. The resistance is intense and deeply suspicious.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus remains at the national level (protecting Estonian citizens and establishing relevant laws), but regionally, Tallinn is highlighted as the primary market for ride-sharing services. Maardu is also mentioned as an example of a place where licenses are acquired easily, indicating a lack of proper oversight.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic arguments highlight the necessity of regulating the market to prevent unfair competition and ensure parity between taxi and ride-sharing services. There is support for stricter regulations designed to protect traditional service providers and guarantee market integrity.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Focusing on social issues, the requirement for Estonian language proficiency for service providers is addressed, emphasizing that this standard should apply to all drivers. A serious security concern is raised regarding ride-share drivers originating from exotic countries and the lack of verification of their driver's licenses, demanding protection for the people of Estonia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on supporting the Draft Act on Amendments to the Public Transport Act (578 SE), the goal of which is to ensure equal treatment within taxi services. The priority is regulating ride-sharing services in order to resolve issues related to language requirements and the verification of driver's licenses. The speaker is a strong proponent of this initiative.
2 Speeches Analyzed