Agenda Profile: Ester Karuse
Draft law amending the Competition Act and, in consequence, amending other laws (609 SE) - second reading
2025-06-10
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting.
Political Position
The political position is critically focused on outcomes, questioning the effectiveness of the Competition Authority's supervision and its low rate of violation detection. The speaker asks whether the draft bill (609 SE), prepared under the government’s leadership, is sufficient to remedy a situation where multiple procedural methods are required to prove violations. Clarity is also demanded regarding the magnitude of the budget cuts allocated to the Competition Authority.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the mechanisms for supervising competition law and refers to statistical data regarding the detection of violations. He is familiar with the deficiencies in the legal tools available to the Competition Authority and the complexity of procedural methods. He is also aware of the mandated budgetary reduction targets affecting the agency.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, analytical, and questioning, addressing the minister directly ("Honorable Minister!"). The style relies on logical questions and the demand for data (statistics, the size of the required reduction task) to assess the effectiveness of oversight and the draft bill. Emotional or personal appeals are absent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the legislative process, participating in the Riigikogu debate during the second reading of the draft bill. The pattern of activity indicates a focus on specific political details and questions concerning the functioning of government agencies. Both interventions are short and consist of focused questions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is directed more towards the low effectiveness of competition supervision and the question of whether the bill presented by the government is sufficient. The speaker questions the sufficiency of the Competition Authority's tools and demands explanations regarding the cuts. There are no personal attacks or clear opposition to specific political groups.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Data is scarce. The speaker is addressing the minister directly with questions, which indicates a scrutinizing rather than a cooperative role at this time.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly at the national level, dealing with the operation of Estonian competition supervision and the Competition Authority. There is no regional focus.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives focus on the importance of effective market regulation and competition oversight to prevent infringements. Concerns are being raised that budget cuts to the Competition Authority may impact its ability to ensure fair competition.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Data is scarce.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on the draft amendment to the Competition Act (Bill 609 SE) and how it will affect the work of the Competition Authority. The speaker acts as a critical reviewer of the bill, expressing skepticism regarding the proposed changes' capacity to resolve existing procedural issues.
2 Speeches Analyzed