Agenda Profile: Aivar Kokk
Draft law (667 SE) for amending the Atmosphere Protection Act and other laws (partial transposition of amendments to the directive on greenhouse gas emission trading) - second reading
2025-09-10
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The stance is distinctly left-wing concerning the business environment and the taxation of CO2. The speaker voiced strong opposition to the proposed amendments to the Atmospheric Air Protection Act, stressing that businesses can no longer endure the current tax burden. As a representative of the Isamaa party, the speaker proposed halting the second reading of the draft legislation, demonstrating uncompromising resistance to the government's initiative.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates profound knowledge of the CO2 Emissions Trading System (ETS), the energy sector, and the shipping industry. Utilizes specific examples, including Tallink's investments in gas propulsion, the regulatory framework for biogas buses, and the historical context of Estonian electricity generation. Provides detailed references to the past sale of CO2 allowances and the competitiveness of oil shale energy, thereby showcasing a technical grasp of underlying economic mechanisms.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker employs direct and emotional rhetoric, combining personal attacks ("very poor negotiators") with fact-based arguments. The tone of speech is critical and confrontational, especially toward ministry officials. Colloquial expressions ("made two blunders") and rhetorical questions are used to emphasize their points.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speeches are scheduled to take place on the same day (September 10, 2025) as part of the second reading of the draft bill. It refers to correspondence with the committee and other members of the Riigikogu, demonstrating active involvement in the legislative process. It also mentions their prior experience as the Chairman of the Economic Affairs Committee.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Sharp criticism has been leveled at ministry officials, who are being called "extremely poor negotiators." The government is accused of insufficient negotiations with Brussels regarding CO2 matters. There is also criticism directed at ministers who have never been entrepreneurs and consequently do not understand the challenges of running a business. The opposition is principled and uncompromising.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Limited Readiness for Cooperation – It focuses primarily on criticism and opposition. While it does refer to the positions of various organizations (the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Shipowners' Association), this is primarily done to support its own arguments. Signs of cooperation are absent; instead, the confrontation between the government and the opposition is emphasized.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Focuses on Estonia's national interests within the context of the European Union. It highlights Estonia's specific situation regarding oil shale energy and draws a comparison with the coal situation in Poland. It specifically names Estonian entities such as Tallink, the City of Tallinn, the City of Tartu, and Eesti Biogaas, thereby demonstrating the prioritization of the local economy.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
A distinctly pro-business position, opposing any increase in the tax burden. It supports a free market economy and criticizes regulations that undermine the competitiveness of Estonian companies. It emphasizes the necessity of protecting investments and reducing the tax burden on consumers. It views CO2 taxation as an economic threat to the Estonian energy sector.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is not enough data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on the amendments to the Atmospheric Air Protection Act and their impact on the business environment. It criticizes the quality of the legislative process, asserting that the draft bill is excessively voluminous and that not all proposals were discussed in the committee. A concrete proposal is made to suspend the second reading of the bill, thereby demonstrating active legislative engagement in the role of the opposition.
4 Speeches Analyzed