Session Profile: Marek Reinaas
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session.
2025-06-05
Political Position
The central theme is raising the productivity and competitiveness of the Estonian economy, based on the expert panel's report. It strongly supports knowledge-intensive exports, digitalization, and strategic national investments (SmartCap, the Defense Fund, the Green Fund). It criticizes the previous pension reform, which forced pension funds to pull back from long-term equity investments, calling it "not a good plan." The political framework is strongly policy- and results-driven, emphasizing the necessity of utilizing expert knowledge.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates deep expertise in macroeconomics, export structure (services vs. goods), and capital markets. Uses precise percentage indicators (e.g., 44% and 110% tariff equivalents for EU internal market barriers, 1.8% R&D expenditures) and refers to specific national financing instruments such as SmartCap and the Baltic Innovation Funds. Possesses knowledge of energy options, noting the optimal production volume for renewable energy (60–80%).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is structured and formal, adhering to the points typical of an expert report (Firstly, Secondly, Thirdly, etc.). The tone is analytical and informative, emphasizing logical arguments and the use of data. It employs metaphors (e.g., "Competitiveness is not a sprint, but a marathon") and conveys moderate optimism regarding the adaptability of the Estonian economy, while also expressing concern about productivity and demographics.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
He/She is presenting at the plenary session to introduce and analyze the report of the Competitiveness Expert Council. The speaker refers to government decisions and actions that have been scheduled (e.g., the review of Team Estonia services by the end of September) and recently launched funds (the Defense Fund in January). This pattern of activity is related to the presentation of strategic economic overviews and the defense of government actions.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Criticizes the widely circulated media narrative regarding Lithuania's economic success, pointing out Estonia's advantages in knowledge intensity and R&D spending. Expresses clear opposition to the previous decision to make the second pension pillar voluntary, arguing that it damaged equity investments. Deems the justification that a drop in productivity is positive because it kept employees working to be unreasonable.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Emphasizes cooperation with analysis institutions (the Expert Council, which unites four institutions) and public-private sector partnership (Team Estonia, SmartCap). Actively supports economic diplomacy and the development of the European Union internal market within the framework of new free trade agreements. Considers it essential that businesses themselves engage in the export of IT services to other governments.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The primary focus is on the Estonian economy in a global context, highlighting exports to the US, Central and Western Europe, and the necessity of dealing with Trump's tariffs. It also pays detailed attention to a comparison of the Baltic states (Lithuania, Latvia) and the opening of new business centers in European capitals (Riga, London, Paris, Berlin).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Being strongly focused on innovation and export, it supports expanding equity financing via venture capital to boost startup activity. It deems productivity growth a critical objective, necessitating digitalization and automation (AI). It supports generating state revenue through service exports, such as offering prison services to foreign countries, which would generate approximately 30 million euros.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It addresses the demographic transition and population aging as an unavoidably approaching economic reality that will give Estonia a profile similar to Japan's by 2050. This is framed as a challenge to competitiveness, one that will alter the sectoral structure of consumption and the economy (a greater need for healthcare and social care services).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on the strategic shaping of economic policy, supporting government decisions (Team Estonia, SmartCap funds) and stressing the necessity of implementing expert council recommendations. It supports advancing nuclear energy within the energy sector, provided such a move is beneficial. It also mentions the development of a data information gateway and the automation of data exchange to reduce bureaucracy.
7 Speeches Analyzed