Agenda Profile: Riina Sikkut
Draft law amending the Securities Market Act and, in consequence thereof, amending other laws (588 SE) - first reading
2025-04-08
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
A strong supporter of transposing the EU directive aimed at promoting gender equality and improving gender balance within the governing bodies of listed companies. It emphasizes that Estonia holds an exceptionally negative position in Europe regarding gender balance indicators, making the swift implementation of this law essential from both a values-based and policy perspective. It rejects views that deem the measure degrading to women or an instance of over-regulation, while stressing the paramount importance of qualifications.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates thorough knowledge of the development of the EU directive, its milder final version, and the nature of the sanctions (a fine for failing to set a goal, not for failing to meet the target number). Uses statistics on Estonia's low female representation (7% vs 11.2% improvement) and compares Estonia with other EU member states that have already met the targets (e.g., France, the Nordic countries). Highlights data concerning Estonian labor market segregation and the wage gap.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is analytical, persuasive, and expert, utilizing logical arguments, research, and comparative data. It addresses criticism (e.g., questions of IQ and competence) directly, refuting gender biases. The style is formal (as a representative of the commission) but also includes personal viewpoints and a humorous comment regarding Jürgen Ligi's long ministerial career.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
He/She appears before the Plenary Session of the Riigikogu as the representative of the Finance Committee, giving a detailed overview of the committee session's discussions and procedural decisions (e.g., setting the deadline for amendments for April 23rd). This pattern of activity is associated with managing and reporting on the legislative process.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed primarily at societal gender biases and attitudes that prevent women from reaching leadership positions. It counters the views that deem the directive excessive bureaucracy or claim that Estonia lacks competent female expertise. It notes Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi's personal skepticism regarding overregulation but acknowledges that ignoring the directive would result in fines.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Serves as the representative of the Steering Committee, ensuring consensus on procedural decisions (such as their own appointment as representative). They collaborate with Ministry of Finance officials to clarify the content of the draft legislation, although they note that they disagree with the Minister regarding the measure's merits. They stress the need for swift handling, which suggests a desire to achieve widespread support upon the law’s passage.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It focuses heavily on the international and European Union context, comparing Estonia's gender balance indicators with those of other member states. It highlights that Estonia is grouped with Hungary and Cyprus as countries where women's representation is notably low, and points to the example set by Finland, Sweden, and Lithuania, which have already transposed the directive.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports regulatory intervention in the composition of governing bodies of listed companies, believing that gender balance leads to better governance quality and decisions. Views this as a measure that contributes to the erosion of cultural and societal gender biases in top management. Does not consider this detrimental to the Estonian business environment.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
A strong focus on gender equality, reducing gender inequality, and improving gender balance. It emphasizes that gender balance is also necessary in a broader context (e.g., education, national defense) and that achieving it helps dismantle prejudices suggesting that men are better suited as leaders than women. It points to Estonia’s significant wage gap and labor market segregation.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the swift processing and adoption of the draft Act amending the Securities Market Act (588 SE). The objective is to fulfill the requirements of the EU directive, avoid fines resulting from infringement procedures, and impose an obligation on listed companies to formulate gender balance objectives.
4 Speeches Analyzed