Session Profile: Yoko Alender
15th Riigikogu, 6th session, plenary session
2025-09-23
Political Position
The speaker strongly supports the draft bill concerning the waste management of batteries and accumulators, stressing its necessity for standardizing the system and reducing legislative overlap. This political stance is aimed at promoting the circular economy and decreasing dependence on China through the recovery of critical raw materials. The position is fundamentally policy- and system-driven, focusing on economic viability and consumer protection (free disposal).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the circular economy, the economic viability of battery recycling, and producer responsibility schemes. They utilize specific data, such as the profitability of lead-acid batteries and the volumes of electronic waste (20,000 tons on the market), and reference European-level regulations, such as the Critical Raw Materials Regulation. Their professional competence is high, focusing on system details and material recycling.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's rhetorical style is formal, informative, and procedural, characteristic of a steering committee report delivered to the plenary session. The presentation relies on logical arguments and fact-based explanations, particularly concerning system operation, economic viability, and the objectives of the legislative changes. Emotional appeals are absent; the emphasis is placed on the delivery of structured information.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker’s operational model involves active participation in the committee’s work, including meetings with the Minister and officials from the Circular Economy Department (September 15). The speaker fulfills the role of the steering committee representative, presenting detailed reports on discussions and decisions to the plenary assembly and being responsible for the further processing of the draft legislation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
No data available
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker demonstrates a readiness for cooperation by working closely with the Minister and officials from the Circular Economy Department during the preparation and discussion of the draft legislation. Their role is to convey the committee's consensus positions and decisions, which indicates a procedural and consensus-based approach to lawmaking.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national legislation (waste management systems in Estonia) and the international level. The importance of the European Union's Critical Raw Materials Regulation is stressed, along with the need to reduce dependence on other countries, particularly China.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints support the development of the circular economy, emphasizing the economic profitability of recycling, which has already been achieved in the case of lead-acid batteries. The role of producer responsibility organizations is considered crucial as a form of insurance that guarantees the recycling of materials even if companies go bankrupt. Support is given to achieving economic self-sufficiency regarding critical raw materials.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues addressed include the environmental impact and waste problem caused by electronic cigarettes, even though this is not directly covered by the draft legislation. Furthermore, a change in consumer behavior was noted concerning the withdrawal of the second pension pillar funds, which led to a temporary increase in the volume of electronic waste.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is on the draft bill concerning the waste management of batteries and accumulators, the aim of which is to improve the recycling system and ensure the functioning of producer responsibility. The speaker is a proponent of the bill and a representative of the lead committee, who is responsible for its further handling in the plenary session and proposed to conclude the first reading.
1 Speeches Analyzed