Agenda Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Inquiry concerning the safe use of mini-mopeds (No. 828)
2025-11-03
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly focused on protecting people's health and safety, especially concerning children, stressing that the situation involving small mopeds and light personal vehicles has spiraled out of control. The speaker sharply criticizes the government's inaction and the prioritization of business freedom over public health, asking how many more fatalities must occur before regulations are finally adopted. The position is strongly value-driven and forceful.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the amendments to the Traffic Act, particularly the regulatory gaps concerning rental light personal mobility devices and micro-mopeds, referencing earlier draft legislation and discussions held by the Traffic Commission. They are up-to-date on the specifics of transposing the Insurance Directive, age verification mechanisms, and introduce comparisons with other member states (Latvia, the Lithuanian Seimas). Specific data regarding political donations made to the coalition parties are also presented.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is forceful, combative, and emotionally charged, utilizing strong appeals (referencing tragic accidents and child safety) and rhetorical questions ("What are we waiting for?"). The speaker levels direct accusations against the coalition parties regarding political favoritism and corrupt behavior (through donations), balancing these emotional appeals with detailed political proposals.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker has been very active on this topic, citing several bills and amendments submitted both personally and by the Centre Party, all of which have been repeatedly voted down. Participation in a special committee session to discuss this issue is also mentioned.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary adversaries are the coalition parties (the Reform Party, Eesti 200, and the Social Democrats). They face criticism for consistently voting down the Centre Party’s proposed legislation and for a perceived lack of political will. The criticism is intense, including accusations of favoring a specific company, Bolt, which is tied to generous political donations, thereby pointing to a conflict of interest.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The current style of cooperation is adversarial, as the speaker emphasizes that the amendments proposed by the Centre Party have been rejected by the coalition on the grounds that they restrict freedom of enterprise. There is no evidence of openness to compromise or cross-party cooperation in regulating this issue.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation (at the level of the Riigikogu), but the right of local municipalities (KOV) to set a maximum number (quota) for rental light personal mobility devices (e-scooters) and small mopeds in the urban environment is emphasized. Mention is made of the steps taken by the Tallinn City Government and the resulting visual pollution of the urban landscape.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints are highly critical of the absolute priority given to business freedom, particularly when it outweighs the protection of public health. The speaker criticizes legislative amendments that specifically favored one company (Bolt) by exempting it from mandatory traffic insurance, citing unfair market regulation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is traffic safety and the protection of children's health, drawing attention to tragic accidents and the necessity of age verification and mandatory helmet use. It is stressed that the law's objective should be to protect people's health, not the interests of businesses.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the swift amendment of the Road Traffic Act to regulate the use of micro-mopeds and rental light personal mobility devices. The priorities include enabling local municipalities to establish numerical caps, tightening age verification through the use of ID cards, and mandating traffic insurance for Bolt scooters.
2 Speeches Analyzed