Session Profile: Rene Kokk
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-14
Political Position
The politician strongly opposes the draft regulation concerning platform services, focusing on two primary issues: the removal of the photograph from the service provider card, which compromises client safety, and the unjustified urgency of the bill. This stance is aimed at protecting the security of citizens and consumers and demanding adherence to sound legislative practices. The arguments presented in the bill's sales pitch (clarity, transparency) are being dubbed mere slogans.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The politician demonstrates expertise regarding the regulation of platform services and the requirements for service provider cards, and is also well-acquainted with legislative procedures and the utilization of registry data. He/She disputes the ministry's assertions concerning the administrative burden of photographs, referencing existing registry data (ID card, passport). This expertise is further supported by referencing discussions held by the Economic Affairs Committee.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is critical and at times combative, accusing the ministry of relying on slogans and engaging in poor legislative practice. The text employs both logical questions (e.g., how does removing the image improve the system?) and emotional appeals, referencing clients' desire for security. The politician uses sharp language, such as "very poor legislative practice" and "we only involve stakeholders so we can claim that we involve them."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The politician was an active speaker at the plenary session, posing follow-up questions and delivering a substantive critical speech on the bill. He cited his participation in the Economic Committee and personal, unofficial polls ("verification questions") among citizens to substantiate his views.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at the submitters of the draft bill (the Minister/Ministry), who are accused of poor legislative drafting, the pretense of inclusion, and unjustified rushing. The criticism is intense and focuses on both procedural flaws (urgency) and substantive issues (disregard for client safety). The overemphasis on the interests of businesses over those of the client is also subject to criticism.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no information regarding cooperation with other political parties. However, the politician acts as an advocate for the interests of the association of local governments and clients, whom the ministry has, in his estimation, ignored, demanding that their proposals be taken into account.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national regulation, but the role of local authorities (the Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities) and the necessity of considering their proposals are strongly emphasized. Specifically, there is a demand for granting local government law enforcement units the right to exercise oversight over platform service providers.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports regulations that guarantee service transparency and customer safety, even if they create inconvenience for businesses (such as a photo requirement). Criticizes the government for over-prioritizing the interests of businesses at the expense of customer needs, citing the obligation to pay taxes as an example. Prefers consumer protection over simplifying business operations.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus is on social safety and consumer trust within the service sector (taxi and platform services). Emphasis is placed on the need to retain photographs on service provider cards to ensure client safety and the ability to verify the driver's identity, contrasting this with the ministry's alleged simplification of the system.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is on amending the draft regulation concerning platform services. The politician is a strong opponent of the bill in its current form and, on behalf of EKRE, is proposing an amendment to retain photographs on service provider cards and grant local governments the right to conduct oversight.
3 Speeches Analyzed