Agenda Profile: Reili Rand
Draft law amending the Securities Market Act and, in consequence thereof, amending other laws (588 SE) - first reading
2025-04-08
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position strongly supports the implementation of the gender balance directive within the governing bodies of listed companies (588 SE). This stance is value-based, emphasizing fairness, equal opportunities, and the necessity of changing the entrenched status quo. The objective of this policy design is to improve the low representation of Estonian women at the decision-making level and to reduce the wage gap. The speaker stresses that this change is essential because years of voluntary efforts have failed to alter the reality on the ground.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the specifics of the Gender Balance Directive, clarifying the grounds and objectives for applying sanctions (sanctions are triggered by a lack of effort, not by a failure to achieve the target). Statistics are utilized concerning the educational attainment of Estonian women, the wage gap, and their low representation at the decision-making level. The economic argument is supported by referencing well-known studies, such as those by McKinsey, which demonstrate the increased competitiveness of gender-balanced organizations.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is passionate, persuasive, and at times confrontational, expressing "embarrassment" over the opponents' ignorance and crude approaches. A personal story ("you are young and you are a woman") is used to illustrate systemic bias. The appeals are balanced, combining an emotional demand for justice with logical and economic arguments regarding the benefits of diversity.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participated in the first reading of the bill, repeatedly questioning the minister and delivering a lengthy, well-reasoned presentation. This pattern demonstrates involvement both in clarifying specific details and in emphasizing broader value positions. The activity is focused on supporting a specific legislative draft in the Riigikogu chamber.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is aimed at conservative colleagues (EKRE, Isamaa, Center Party), who are accused of narrow-mindedness, reliance on stereotypes, and fundamentally misunderstanding the draft bill. Martin Helme is specifically criticized for failing to review the materials and subsequently becoming confused. The criticism is intense and addresses both the political substance (accusations of bureaucracy) and underlying values ("a crude approach").
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasized the successful cooperation with Riina Sikkut and the work of the Social Democrats, thanks to which the principles of gender balance were also written into the ownership policy guidelines for state-owned companies. This indicates a readiness to cooperate with colleagues who share similar values in order to expand the policy into the public sector.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily national and international, addressing the implementation of the European Union directive and Estonia’s position within the European context (wage gap, representation). Companies listed on the main list of the Tallinn Stock Exchange are mentioned, as is previous experience as a rural municipality mayor, but there is no specific emphasis on regional policy.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives support implementing regulation for listed companies to ensure gender balance and boost competitiveness. It is emphasized that diversity is a competitive advantage, proven by various studies, which generates greater wealth. Criticism is leveled at the Estonian paradox, where highly educated women earn less and are underrepresented at the decision-making level.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is gender equality and dismantling the systemic biases that prevent educated women from reaching leadership positions. The discussion covers the pay gap, the negative influence of stereotypes on decision-making processes, and the double burden placed on women (the professional job and the domestic shift). The objective is to establish fairness and equalize access to management roles.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the draft amendment to the Securities Market Act (588 SE), which aims to establish gender balance requirements for the management bodies of listed companies. The speaker is a strong proponent, explainer, and defender of this draft, emphasizing that it represents a necessary step toward achieving fair selection.
8 Speeches Analyzed