Agenda Profile: Marek Reinaas
Second Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Competition Act (654 SE)
2025-11-05
15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position focuses on protecting the European Union's internal market from the distorting effect of foreign subsidies, especially when assessing concentrations. The speaker strongly supports the adoption of the draft bill, emphasizing the need to establish a contact point in Estonia (TTJA) for communication with the European Commission. The stance is clearly policy- and regulation-based, focusing on the enforcement of international competition law.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in competition law and EU regulations, referencing specific articles (e.g., Article 21, paragraph 5) and procedures (the ex officio procedure). He/She uses technical language and quotes the minutes of the commission session to clarify the substantive impact of the proposed amendments. Furthermore, the speaker is familiar with the magnitude and international scope of the fines, which relate to global turnover.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal and procedural in the section concerning the commission's report, but shifts to explanatory and slightly colloquial when complex legal details are unveiled. Rhetorical questions are employed ("Where does the money go and where does the dust come from") along with strong, albeit apologetic, expressions (e.g., "munapiiks") to emphasize the sheer magnitude of the fines imposed on international corporations. The overall tone is informative and authoritative.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in the legislative process, presenting the work and proposals of the Economic Affairs Committee concerning the schedule for bill readings. Specific dates are mentioned for planning both the committee sessions (October 23) and the agenda for the Riigikogu plenary sessions (November 5 and 12). Their role is that of the committee rapporteur.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Direct domestic opposition is not criticized; the regulation is aimed at foreign companies that receive subsidies and distort the European Union's internal market. The speaker describes fines that will strongly impact large international state-owned enterprises, indirectly referring to the country that is "almost the most populous nation."
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative approach is consensual and effective, as the amendments received unanimous support within the Economic Affairs Committee. The speaker stresses that the proposals put forward by the lead committee were also supported by the representative of the bill's initiator, which indicates smooth cooperation throughout the legislative process.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly international, centering on the regulation of the European Union internal market, as well as the designation of the national contact point (the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority). Estonia's regional impact is low, as the presenter notes that it is very unlikely this procedure would affect Estonian companies.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports robust regulation and the strict enforcement of competition rules to protect the internal market from foreign subsidies that grant an unfair competitive advantage. It advocates for imposing significant fines (5% or 10% of global turnover) on multinational corporations, thereby demonstrating a commitment to market discipline and fair competition.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
No data available
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is completing the second reading and sending to the third reading the draft Act amending the Competition Act (654 SE). The priority is ensuring that the investigation of foreign subsidies is extended to cover merger assessment cases, and correcting the reference errors found in the draft legislation.
5 Speeches Analyzed