Agenda Profile: Urmas Reinsalu
Draft law amending the Accounting Act (600 SE) – third reading
2025-06-19
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly anti-bureaucracy, particularly regarding mandatory sustainability reporting and the green transition more broadly. It is emphasized that the government must protect national interests and the competitiveness of the economy, rather than merely participating passively. The approach is heavily results-oriented, focusing on preventing an additional economic burden (exceeding 30 million euros). The politician demands that the government initiate a substantive dialogue at the European Union level to eliminate this obligation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in accounting and sustainability reporting (CSRD), citing both European Union-level decisions and Estonian draft bills. Specific economic data is utilized, including an estimated additional burden of 30 million euros and the million-euro annual cost incurred by the NG Investeeringud group. Furthermore, the speaker references knowledge regarding logistics issues stemming from the ban on parking commercial vehicles.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and analytical, highlighting the government's passivity and the detrimental effects of bureaucracy. Logical appeals are employed, citing examples of costs incurred by specific companies (NG Investeeringud, Tallink Grupp) to demonstrate the futility of the obligation. The tone is one of concern, underscoring Estonia's challenging environment, which is stressed by objective problems.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The scope of activity is limited to parliamentary work, specifically participation in the third reading of the draft bill (600 SE). Reference is made to previous Isamaa initiatives during the submission of the bill, as well as contacts maintained with merchants and entrepreneurs. The speaker mentions the approaching Victory Day and Midsummer Eve, thereby linking the address to calendar events.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is with the government, which is criticized for its passivity and lack of a comprehensive approach concerning European Union initiatives. The criticism is policy- and procedure-based, accusing the government of generating bureaucracy and disregarding national interests. Climate Minister Michal’s personal political initiative regarding the ban on parking trucks is highlighted separately.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is a call for everyone to support the current bill, which defers the obligation, thereby demonstrating a willingness to cooperate on temporary relief measures. Simultaneously, the government is required to present a substantive and well-thought-out strategy for eliminating the obligation at the European Union level, indicating a demanding stance from the opposition. Isamaa submitted the draft legislation prior to the EU agreement, highlighting its proactivity.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is both national and international, centering on the competitiveness of the Estonian economy and the European Union's legal framework. Examples are drawn from major Estonian companies (such as Tallink Grupp, Kaubamaja AS) to illustrate the impact of regulations on Estonian consumers and retailers.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly pro-market and anti-regulation, emphasizing the need to eliminate mandatory bureaucracy, which results in an increased burden and higher prices for consumers. They prefer that companies have the free discretion to compile sustainability reports, rather than being forced into a mandatory system. It is argued that bureaucratic costs (for example, one million euros) are ultimately borne by consumers.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is supporting the draft amendment to the Accounting Act (600 SE) in order to postpone the sustainability reporting obligation. The longer-term objective is to initiate a process at the European Union level to eliminate mandatory climate bureaucracy (related to "Fit for 55" and the Green Transition) from the European legal framework.
1 Speeches Analyzed