Agenda Profile: Marek Reinaas
Draft law amending the Public Transport Act (578 SE) - First Reading
2025-04-15
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
Political Position
The political stance is strongly in favor of rejecting Bill 578 SE, as it fails to resolve the issues surrounding the provision of taxi services. This position is policy-driven, emphasizing that the problems lie in oversight, not deficiencies in the existing legislation. We support market development where the use of platforms has been widely adopted.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the Public Transport Act and taxi market regulations, utilizing specific statistical data—for instance, that 80% of service card holders use platforms. They rely on the positions of experts from the ministries (the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture and the Ministry of Climate), emphasizing that language requirements are already stipulated in the Language Act.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, procedural, and informative, focusing on the neutral reporting of the Economic Committee’s meetings and decisions. Logical arguments and references to experts and procedural facts are utilized, while emotional appeals are avoided.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The procedure is linked to the internal organization of the parliament, presenting detailed reports on the sittings (April 7 and 8) and voting results of the Economic Affairs Committee. The speaker’s role is to convey the work and decisions made by the representative of the leading committee to the plenary assembly.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is directed at the bill introduced by Mr. Grünthal, criticizing its substance as unnecessary and failing to resolve existing oversight issues. The criticism is policy- and procedure-centric, highlighting that the bill duplicates already existing legislation (such as the Language Act).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative approach is evident through the inclusion of ministry representatives (Ruubas, Allvee), whose positions are utilized to bolster the majority decision of the committee. While there was procedural consensus within the committee itself regarding the inclusion of the draft bill on the agenda, the substantive decision (rejection) was reached by a vote (5 for, 3 against).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is indirect, emphasizing the role of local governments (LGs) in issuing service cards and carrying out supervision. The subject matter is addressed at the level of national legislation (the Public Transport Act).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic standpoints support the development of the taxi market, where the use of platforms is widespread, and oppose regulations that would restrict this development. Strengthening supervision is preferred over market regulation, as taxi service users have embraced the changes.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social issue addressed is the requirement for taxi drivers to have Estonian language proficiency. While this is considered important, the relevant regulation is already stipulated in the Language Act. Also mentioned is the topic of foreigners working as taxi drivers, which is currently being prepared by the ministry.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is the rejection of the draft amendment to the Public Transport Act (578 SE). The priority is strengthening supervision and implementing existing laws, rather than creating new, duplicating provisions. It is mentioned that ministries are preparing changes concerning the same topics (foreigners, penalties).
3 Speeches Analyzed