Agenda Profile: Ando Kiviberg
Draft law amending the Waste Act and, in consequence, amending other laws (657 SE) – first reading
2025-06-16
XV Riigikogu, V Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly supportive of the draft amendment to the Waste Act (657 SE), which is deemed "excellent" and essential. The primary objective is to terminate the prevailing monopoly in the waste transport market to ensure competition and fairer pricing. This stance is results-oriented, focusing on regulating the market and increasing the autonomy of local governments in decision-making. The speaker sharply opposes those who view the bill as a "crime against the Estonian people."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the market structures of waste management, highlighting the existence of a monopoly and its effect on pricing. Specific terms like "producer responsibility organizations" are used, and it is emphasized that waste management is a responsibility of the local government. The existing system is also criticized, specifically where large waste handling companies have established non-profit associations (NPOs) to manage producer responsibility, which ultimately stifles competition.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is passionate, confident, and at times confrontational, especially toward opponents who are accused of talking "stupid nonsense." The speaker uses direct address ("friends," "dear friends") and balances logical arguments (the harmfulness of monopoly, the advantages of a market economy) with an emotional appeal to restore order. Opponents are even hinted at receiving possible external payments ("you are getting paid from somewhere else").
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Speeches were delivered during the first reading of the Draft Act on the Amendment of the Waste Act and related amendments to other Acts (Bill 657 SE). There is no information regarding the speaker's regularity, meetings, or other patterns of activity.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker adopts a sharp and accusatory tone toward the opponents, implying they are talking "nonsense" and opposing a bill that would actually solve the monopoly problem. The speaker criticizes the opposing side for fiercely resisting efforts to regulate the market. The intensity is high, fueled by the insinuation that the opposition may be motivated by external funding rather than genuine public interest.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style is nominally open, inviting colleagues to improve the draft and submit good ideas, which will be accepted. However, the willingness to compromise is limited, as the opposing side's main arguments are categorically and personally rejected. The goal is to achieve "order in the house" and end the monopoly, on which point no compromise will be entertained.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is directed towards local municipalities (KOV), stressing that waste management is their responsibility and that they must be able to select service providers more flexibly. The issue being addressed (the monopoly) is defined as nationwide, given that only "one company—one for the whole of Estonia" remains in the market.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views strongly favor a market economy, emphasizing that there must be contest and competition in the market for prices to be determined. Monopolism is clearly condemned as an "expensive" and abnormal phenomenon. The speaker believes that in a market economy, the entrepreneur always arrives at the most efficient and cost-effective solution.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is entirely directed towards supporting and passing the draft bill for amending the Waste Act (657 SE). The objective is to achieve a structural change in waste management by ending the existing monopoly and creating the necessary conditions for producer responsibility organizations (PROs) to function effectively. The speaker is a strong proponent and advocate of this bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed