Agenda Profile: Tõnis Mölder
First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu "Proposal to the Government of the Republic to initiate proceedings in the European Union to invalidate the obligation to prepare sustainability reports" (601 OE)
2025-05-21
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
Political Position
The political focus is on reducing the administrative burden created for businesses by the sustainability reporting obligation versus achieving the goals of the Green Deal. The speaker himself takes a neutral, procedural position, focusing on summarizing the opposing viewpoints presented in the commission. He emphasizes that the only reason for abandoning the obligation is reducing the administrative burden on businesses. The political framework is strongly policy- and procedure-centric, not value-based.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the procedural rules and committee work of the Riigikogu, referencing specific session dates, consensus decisions, and the requirements stipulated in Section 103 of the Constitution. They possess knowledge of terminology related to European Union policy (the Green Deal) and financial regulation (sustainability reports). This expertise is focused more on process management and conveying the dynamics of the discussion rather than on substantive policy analysis.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speech is highly formal, objective, and procedural, typical of a report delivered by a representative of a steering committee. The style is logical and fact-based, relying on the referencing of arguments presented by other participants (ministry representatives, commission members). Emotional appeals are absent; the objective is to neutrally convey the substance of the discussion held by the commission and the decisions reached.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's operational pattern involves representing the Economic Affairs Committee and presenting the substance of its sessions (April 24, May 12) to the Riigikogu Plenary Assembly. They have been designated as the representative of the lead committee and are responsible for keeping Parliament informed during the handling of complex draft legislation. This activity is connected to Parliament's internal organization and procedural rules.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker himself does not criticize the opponents; rather, he conveys the conflicting viewpoints of the bill's initiators (who seek to reduce bureaucracy and support voluntary action) and the Ministry of Finance (which emphasizes the goals of the Green Deal and the positive impact of reporting). He notes that the initiators of the bill originally aimed to drop the entire topic within the European Union.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the cooperation within the committee, citing the consensus decisions made during the processing of the draft bill and its referral for a vote. This collaboration involved both committee members from various factions and representatives of the ministry who were invited to present the government's official positions. He also refers to the necessity of waiting for the negotiations with the committee to conclude before Estonia's positions can be formulated.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level (shaping Estonia's positions within the European Union) and international (European Union) regulation. Central to the discussion is the international reputation and credibility of Estonian businesses. Specific regional or local topics are not included.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives focus on the need to reduce the administrative burden on businesses, which is considered the sole reason for abolishing the mandatory requirement for sustainability reports. The principle of voluntary reporting is supported, allowing companies with an international presence to prepare these reports. At the same time, it is acknowledged that reporting also has a positive effect on corporate reputation and credibility.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is on deliberating the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu (601 DR) and advancing it to the final vote. An important legislative issue is also the necessity of a parliamentary mandate for formulating Estonia's positions in EU negotiations. As a representative of the leading committee, the speaker serves as a procedural supporter and informer.
3 Speeches Analyzed