Session Profile: Tanel Kiik
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary session
2024-10-23
Political Position
It strongly supports evidence-based healthcare and criticizes the promotion of quackery. It stands with the Minister of Social Affairs in the fight against anti-vaccination sentiment and pseudoscience, emphasizing the danger these pose to public health. At the same time, it demands concrete steps from the minister regarding additional funding for healthcare and the construction of the Tallinn Hospital.
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in the healthcare and pharmaceutical market sectors, citing specific facts such as the 2019 pharmacy reform and the actions taken by wholesalers on December 18, 2019, when 300 pharmacies were shut down overnight. The speaker also demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of hospital pharmacy regulations and the competitive landscape of the drug market, providing examples from the North Estonia Medical Centre and Tartu University Hospital. He/She emphasizes his/her experience as the former Minister of Health from 2019 to 2022.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
They employed sharp criticism and direct language, especially when discussing the Pihlakodu case and the Competition Act. The rhetoric was accusatory and demanding, emphasizing the government's responsibility and the need for transparency.
Activity Patterns
He actively participated in the debate, raising several questions and comments. He focused on both procedural and substantive issues.
Opposition Stance
The speaker criticizes EKRE's conduct while presiding over the session and requests intervention from the chair. They demand proper decorum towards members of parliament and better management of the debate.
Collaboration Style
The speaker demonstrated a constructive approach, acknowledging the minister’s work and offering concrete proposals. The style was professional and collaborative, although it also included critical feedback.
Regional Focus
It primarily focuses on nationwide healthcare issues, but stresses the importance of Tallinn Hospital for the North Estonian region. It demonstrates an understanding that healthcare services must be accessible across the entire country.
Economic Views
Strongly supports the promotion of free competition in the pharmaceutical market and the dismantling of the oligopolistic market structure. It argues that the state should not be involved in promoting the business interests of individual companies, but should instead focus on patient health and the availability of medicines. It advocates granting hospitals additional rights for the direct import of medicines to reduce the monopolistic position of wholesalers and increase competition, which, in its estimation, will drive down drug prices.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Expresses deep respect for believers and emphasizes the importance of religious freedom. It draws a clear distinction between the religious freedom of Orthodox Church members and Patriarch Kirill’s war-inciting behavior, stressing that the daily right of religious people to practice their faith should not be restricted. It criticizes the rudeness of EKRE representatives in parliament and demands a more proper debate culture in the Riigikogu.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Criticized the amendments to the Competition Act and the handling of the Pihlakodu case. Demanded greater transparency and accountability from the government.