Agenda Profile: Marek Reinaas
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 position is supportive of the government’s chosen approach concerning the amendments to the Competition Act, stressing that the draft bill is based on legally unambiguous and practically proven solutions. In particular, the decision not to establish a new administrative fine procedure is supported, which, according to the minister, will conserve administrative resources. The overall approach is highly policy- and procedure-centric, focusing on the secure transposition of the directive.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a thorough knowledge of legislative procedures and the work of the Economic Affairs Committee, as well as legal specifics, such as the differences between administrative and misdemeanor proceedings and the privilege against self-incrimination. The expertise is primarily secondhand, relying on explanations provided by officials from the Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs (e.g., Andreas Kangur, Natalia Mäekivi) and the minister (Liisa-Ly Pakosta). A preference is shown for emphasizing that the chosen solution relies on 20 years of established case law.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, neutral, and strictly procedural, characteristic of a committee rapporteur's report. The speaker focuses on the accurate reporting of discussions, participants, and voting results, utilizing logical argumentation and citing official responses. Emotional appeals are absent; the emphasis is placed on facts and the course of the proceedings.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity involves intensive work within the Economic Affairs Committee, where several substantive discussions regarding Draft Law 609 SE took place, including on April 15th and 21st. The speaker's role is that of the committee representative and rapporteur, tasked with providing the plenary session with an overview of the meetings held and the decisions made. Furthermore, the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee has been actively consulted for its opinion.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is evident in the committee's voting results (4 dissenting votes) and in the critical questions posed by Tõnis Mölder and Jaak Aab. The criticism focused on the procedural consequences of the draft bill, such as the growing administrative burden on courts and the obligation for businesses to present factual evidence. The speaker does not criticize the opponents but presents their questions and the minister's answers neutrally.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is open and institutional, involving close communication with officials and the minister of the Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the content of the draft legislation. A readiness to cooperate was also demonstrated with other Riigikogu committees by consulting the Legal and Constitutional Committee for their opinion.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely on national legislation and the transposition of the European Union directive, with no references to specific regional or local issues.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are aimed at regulatory clarity and minimizing administrative burden, stressing that the chosen method of procedure is resource-saving and relies on tried-and-tested solutions. The work of the Competition Authority in processing violations is supported, indicating a desire to improve the competitive situation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft act (609 SE) amending the Competition Act and other related legislation, the primary goal of which is the transposition of an European Union directive. The speaker supports the bill and is the proponent driving the process forward at the committee level, emphasizing the clarification of procedural norms in administrative and misdemeanour proceedings.
2 Speeches Analyzed