Session Profile: Tõnis Mölder
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session.
2024-01-15
Political Position
The political focus is on the state's economic and regulatory efficiency. The speaker stresses the necessity of finding a solution to ensure dispatchable energy production during the transition period, and criticizes the ineffectiveness of bans in controlling the black market for e-cigarettes. The viewpoints are pragmatic, emphasizing decisions that stem from the interests of the state, rather than the interests of a single private company concerning nuclear energy. He advocates for the legalization of certain products so that the black market collapses and the state can collect excise revenue.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in excise and regulation policy, particularly concerning the e-cigarette black market and its oversight (Tax and Customs Board, Ministry of the Interior). The speaker utilizes detailed knowledge, referencing the suspension and reinstatement of excise duties, as well as the impact of cross-border trade. Furthermore, the speaker is familiar with the details of energy policy, mentioning the timeline for the completion of the nuclear power plant and the need for dispatchable capacity.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is analytical, formal, and concerned, particularly regarding the proliferation of the black market, which is considered an acute problem. Logical arguments and historical examples (the alcohol excise tax in Latvia, the legalization of snus) are used to illustrate regulatory failures. The speaker stresses the need for a more substantive and detailed analysis in the minister's replies.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's pattern of activity involves submitting interpellations to ministers (specifically the Minister of the Interior) and participating in plenary sessions. The submission of an interpellation on May 13th is mentioned, which indicates long-term monitoring of the issue and structured political activity. He/She utilizes the additional time allocated to thoroughly elaborate on his/her arguments.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Criticism is aimed at the government's regulatory decisions, which have created fertile ground for the emergence of the black market and resulted in the state losing potential tax revenue. The government is also facing criticism regarding its energy policy, with warnings that the state should not be making decisions based solely on the interests of a single private company. Furthermore, the criticism targets the inefficiency of the policy and the significant shortcomings in oversight within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Interior.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is cooperating with colleagues, submitting an interpellation to the Minister of the Interior alongside Jaak Aab. This demonstrates a willingness to form coalitions in order to raise specific political issues in parliament.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on Estonia’s national issues (the black market, energy policy), but a strong regional context is utilized when seeking regulatory solutions. Specific reference is made to border trade with Latvia and the tobacco policies of neighboring countries (Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Sweden), highlighting the impact of societal mobility on the formation of the black market.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views emphasize fiscal pragmatism and the collection of state tax revenue (excise duty), which should be channeled back into healthcare. He/She supports regulation and a legal market to eliminate the black market, citing the review of excise policy concerning alcohol and oral tobacco as an example. In energy policy, he/she stresses the priority of national interests over private companies.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social concern is protecting minors from using health-damaging e-cigarettes, emphasizing that these devices should not fall into the hands of young people. Although he does not advocate for the use of these products, he sees a danger in the proliferation of the black market, as forbidden fruit is the sweetest for young people.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on amending oversight and regulatory policy, a goal he is pursuing via a parliamentary inquiry directed to the Minister of the Interior. The priority is the elimination of the black market and the reassessment of excise policy to ensure the legal availability of products for adult consumers and prevent minors from falling under the black market's influence.
5 Speeches Analyzed