Agenda Profile: Riina Sikkut
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 focus is on the draft bill amending the Competition Act (609 SE), strongly supporting the increase in the powers and punitive instruments available to the Competition Authority. Opposition to harsh penalties is viewed as undermining the authority's competence. There is also a value-based framework, emphasizing the protection of democracy and the rule of law, which the speaker claims the Social Democrats stand for. Political accountability in the event of failure to transpose the directive has been highlighted as a critical issue.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Knowledge is demonstrated regarding competition law, administrative procedures, and the process of transposing European Union directives. Specific terminology is employed, emphasizing the jurisdiction of the Competition Authority and the necessity of establishing instruments similar to those found in other countries. Reference is also made to the position of Supreme Court Justice Ivo Pilving concerning the political choice involved in the transposition of the directive.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetoric is largely confrontational and demanding, particularly concerning the minister's political accountability, with the recurring question being, "Are you going to step down?" The style is intense and straightforward, encompassing both defensive statements (such as standing up for democracy) and aggressive questioning. The appeals are primarily logical and legal, focusing on legal instruments and adherence to the directive.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The scope of activity is limited to participation in the Riigikogu chamber during the first reading of the draft Competition Act. The speaker presents both positions supporting the content of the bill and repeatedly raises challenging questions for the minister regarding the transposition of the directive.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed at those who consider harsh penalties negative and undermine the competence of the Competition Authority. Varro Vooglaid's views on the topic of democracy are criticized separately. Strong political opposition is aimed at the minister, from whom political accountability and resignation are demanded if the transposition of the directive proves incorrect.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no information regarding a willingness to cooperate or compromise. The speaker is focused on defending the values of their own party (the Social Democrats) and demanding accountability from the minister.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation (the Competition Authority) and the international level (the transposition of the European Union directive). Local or regional topics are absent.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports strong regulatory oversight in the economy, favoring the expansion of the Competition Authority's powers to impose substantial fines for serious offenses. It rejects the view that introducing large fines into the legal framework is detrimental to business.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The only social issue addressed is the defense of the principles of democracy and the rule of law, which the speaker emphasizes as the role of the Social Democrats.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the Bill amending the Competition Act (609 SE). The speaker is a strong proponent of the bill's substance, stressing the necessity of providing the Competition Authority with instruments already available in other countries. Furthermore, significant attention is being paid to the correct transposition of the directive and the related political accountability.
3 Speeches Analyzed