Agenda Profile: Rene Kokk
First reading of the Draft Act amending the Riigikogu Member's Status Act (339 SE)
2024-03-20
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance centers on criticizing and supporting the abolition of the Riigikogu members' expense compensation system, particularly the amounts allocated for car leasing. This position is strongly value-based, emphasizing the necessity of ending these abuses and finally grabbing the bull by the horns. The consistency of EKRE in highlighting this issue is stressed, and real action is demanded instead of just empty words.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the history of the Riigikogu expense compensation regulations, referencing specific car leasing amounts (€450 and €650) and the existence of apartment compensation. The expertise focuses on the details of the parliament's internal rules and previous legislative amendments. An analogy is also used—the argument for abolishing e-voting—to illustrate the probability of the draft bill being rejected.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is consistent, provocative, and at times confrontational, utilizing historical references and anecdotes (Reform Party lobbying) to support their position. The speaker poses direct questions to the rapporteurs and the Riigikogu Presidium, demanding action instead of empty words. Irony and a humorous lens are employed to criticize the opponents' arguments.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity is related to the debate during the first reading of a specific bill (the abolition of expense benefits), where the speaker participates repeatedly with questions and a closing statement. Emphasis is placed on EKRE's consistent action in repeatedly highlighting this topic in previous parliamentary compositions.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party and the Social Democrats, who are accused of defending and misusing expense allowances. The Reform Party is criticized for previously lobbying to lease more expensive cars, while the Social Democrats are accused of defending the system and are reminded of historical mistakes (hiding alcohol under Ossinovski's leadership). Accusing the opponents of populism is dismissed as a malicious narrative.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is conditional: the proponent is open to further discussion and finding consensus, provided the draft bill is adopted for consideration and reasonable proposals are made. Simultaneously, the Riigikogu Board and other factions are urged to support the initiative ("come aboard with us") to demonstrate commitment beyond mere words.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A regional focus is lacking, but the argument regarding members of the Riigikogu commuting from afar is addressed, dismissing it with reference to the apartment allowance. The focus is placed on national legislation and the internal organization of the parliament.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are limited to supporting the abolition of expense allowances, which points to a desire to reduce the privileges of Members of Parliament and ensure fiscal discipline in the use of public funds. The context of the government's car tax bill is also mentioned, indicating the need for its discussion.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on initiating and supporting the draft Act (339 SE) amending the Act on the Status of a Member of the Riigikogu, the purpose of which is to abolish expense benefits. The speaker emphasizes that EKRE has submitted draft legislation with similar content time and time again, acting as the initiator, and demands its further processing.
4 Speeches Analyzed