Agenda Profile: Siim Pohlak
Draft law amending the Competition Act and, in connection therewith, amending other laws (609 SE) - first reading
2025-05-05
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance is sharply critical of the government’s economic policy, particularly concerning high prices and market concentration. The issue is directly attributed to the tax hikes (VAT, labor taxes) imposed by the Reform Party and Estonia 200 government, which are detrimental to consumers. This position is results-oriented, focusing on the government's failure to ensure a competitive market.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in competition law (directives, regulations), market concentration, and tax policy. They use economic analysis and historical comparisons (for example, the number of market participants in the early 2000s) to support their claims regarding the causes of high prices. They emphasize the need to identify specific areas where competition problems are most detrimental to the consumer.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is initially questioning and formal, but quickly becomes critical and confrontational, especially when commenting on the minister's answers. Logical arguments are used regarding the connections between taxes and market concentration, rejecting the minister's explanations (e.g., small market). The tone is skeptical and expresses disappointment regarding the government's inability to solve the situation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data is limited to two addresses given on a single day in the Riigikogu, both relating to the first reading of the draft Competition Act.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party and Eesti 200 government, which is being intensely criticized for allowing tax hikes and market concentration. The criticism is policy- and results-based, calling into question the government’s economic explanations for high prices. The opponent's positions are considered inadequate and are seen as encouraging acceptance of the current situation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is deficient because the speaker rejects the minister's explanations (e.g., small market) and remains firm in their own positions. Although communication with the rapporteur is polite, it is confrontational in substance. There is no indication of a willingness to compromise or engage in inter-party cooperation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level (Estonian prices, Estonian taxes, Estonian market) and in the context of the European Union (directive, common market). Specific local or regional problems are not mentioned.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspective strongly opposes tax increases, stressing that high VAT and labor taxes are the primary drivers of inflation and rising business costs in Estonia. They advocate for a more competitive market and sharply criticize the concentration and constriction of the market.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
No data available.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft bill for amending the Competition Act (609 SE). The speaker is a critical interrogator who demands evidence regarding how the bill will be able to solve market concentration problems that are detrimental to consumers.
2 Speeches Analyzed