Agenda Profile: Rene Kokk
First Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Public Transport Act (725 SE)
2025-10-14
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to both the substantive amendments to the bill (specifically, removing the photo from the service card) and the procedural rushing of its passage. Emphasis is placed on client safety and transparency, while the government's justifications are criticized as merely sloganistic and insufficiently considered. The speaker stands against poor legislative practice, where substantive proposals are disregarded under the pretext of urgency or rushing.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding public transport regulation, the requirements for operator cards, and the use of data registers. The focus is primarily on the lack of control rights of local governments over platform services, referencing the proposal put forth by the Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities. Furthermore, claims regarding the onerous nature of the photo requirement are refuted by referring to existing ID card and passport data held within the registers.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and questioning, employing strong phrases such as "poor legislative practice" and "sales pitch" to assess the actions of the minister and the ministry. The appeal is primarily logical, focusing on the substantive deficiencies and procedural errors of the draft bill, yet it is delivered with high intensity. Rhetorical questions are used to highlight the illogical nature of the draft bill's justifications from the client's point of view.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in the proceedings of the Riigikogu bill and refers to the discussion that took place in the Economic Affairs Committee. Personal activity is also mentioned, specifically talking to "quite a few people" (for the purpose of framing control questions) to gather feedback regarding the photo requirement for the service provider card.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the bill's proponents (the minister and the ministry), accusing them of poor legislative practice and merely feigning genuine inclusion. Specific criticism targets the use of fast-track procedures to avoid taking substantive proposals into account, describing this as a prime example of consultation being carried out purely for the sake of consultation. There is also opposition to the overemphasis placed on the interests of businesses at the expense of customer safety.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative approach focuses on supporting external proposals, particularly concerning the expansion of oversight powers put forward by the Estonian Association of Cities and Rural Municipalities. The speaker is acting on behalf of their parliamentary group (EKRE), pledging to submit amendments to address the deficiencies in the legislation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation, but with a strong regional emphasis on supporting the expansion of the role and oversight powers of local authorities (the Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities). The necessity is stressed to grant local government law enforcement units the right to exercise control over platform service providers.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are shifting toward consumer protection, thereby casting doubt on the priority of business arguments, particularly those related to transparency and security. It is emphasized that entrepreneurs should not be the ones determining regulation; rather, it must be viewed from the customer's standpoint, drawing a parallel with the mandatory obligation to pay taxes.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is consumer safety and trust in taxi services, emphasizing the need for visual identification of the driver on the service provider card. The safety aspect is presented as a customer expectation to verify whether the person behind the wheel is the same individual who has met the corresponding requirements.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft amendment to the Public Transport Act (Bill 725 SE). The speaker, who is in opposition, is concentrating on correcting procedural errors. The priorities are retaining the photo requirement for the service provider card and adding inspection rights for local municipalities into the law. The speaker promises that EKRE will submit the corresponding amendments.
3 Speeches Analyzed