Agenda Profile: Rene Kokk
Draft law amending the Customs Act (515 SE) – First Reading
2024-10-23
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government-initiated draft Customs Law 515, which the faction also proposes rejecting. The main objections concern the disproportionate increase in fines for legal entities and granting the Tax and Customs Board the right to use special enforcement powers. This stance is policy- and value-based, emphasizing the need to keep the spheres of activity of different institutions separate and demanding sufficient justification for the proposed legislative changes.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of customs law regulations and fine rates, citing specific figures (e.g., €3,200 versus €100,000). The expertise focuses on regulatory oversight and the division of competence, stressing that the police should handle their own duties and the customs authority should handle theirs. The criticism targets the absence of legislative justification, particularly regarding the steep increase in the fine amounts.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and analytical, focusing on logical appeals, particularly regarding the insufficient argumentation for raising fine rates. Expressions such as "creeping allocation of special resources" and "it is simply slapped through" are used to emphasize the abruptness and lack of justification for the changes. The address is formal, utilizing legislative language and concluding with a specific procedural proposal to reject the draft bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the legislative process, referencing the previous day's adjourned debate on the draft Customs Act. This course of action involves submitting official proposals and presenting critical viewpoints on behalf of the parliamentary faction.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the bill initiated by the Government of the Republic and at the minister who was unable to answer questions regarding the historical justification for the proposed amendments. The criticism is both political and procedural, citing disproportionality and a lack of proper argumentation when increasing the fine rates. The opposition is intense, as there is a proposal to reject the bill in its entirety.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely on national legislation and the jurisdiction and mandates of state institutions (the Tax and Customs Board, the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences). Regional or international focus is absent from the speech.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
We express strong opposition to the steep and unjustified increase in the fine rates imposed on legal entities, raising them from 3,200 euros up to 100,000 euros. This signals a cautious approach regarding the tightening of punitive regulations that impact entrepreneurship and legal entities.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The discussion touches upon issues of law enforcement and security, specifically opposing the granting of rights to use special measures to the Tax and Customs Board, while emphasizing that every agency should stick to its own mandate. Reference is also made to a previous proposal to increase fines for violations of the Language Act, demonstrating an interest in ensuring compliance with language requirements.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative priority is the opposition and rejection of Draft Bill 515, which amends the Customs Act. The speaker is an active opponent who is formally proposing, on behalf of the parliamentary group, that the bill be removed from consideration.
1 Speeches Analyzed