Agenda Profile: Riina Sikkut
Continuation of the second reading of the draft law amending the Competition Act and, in connection therewith, amending other laws (609 SE)
2025-06-11
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the current solution proposed in Draft Law 609 SE, recommending the suspension of the second reading because the process has been deemed "untrustworthy" and embarrassing. The main emphasis is placed on consumer protection, establishing market order, and avoiding EU fines, while criticizing the government's inability to achieve these aims. The stance is driven primarily by procedural and performance concerns, highlighting the necessity of having the possibility of imposing penalties.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Despite identifying as a non-lawyer, the speaker demonstrates profound knowledge of the procedural and legal intricacies of competition law (e.g., self-incrimination, administrative vs. misdemeanor proceedings). Emphasis is placed on the deterrent role of fines, and specific examples (Olerex, Pihlakodu) are cited to illustrate systemic issues. The speaker is thoroughly familiar with the long and complex political history of the draft bill, tracing back to the 2023 coalition negotiations.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is critical and procedural, focusing on a detailed political narrative of the bill's three-year "strange" and "embarrassing" passage. Logical arguments are employed (deterrence, the size of the fine) mixed with emotional appeals (consumer helplessness, lack of confidence in the proposed solution). The tone is formal, yet accusatory, repeatedly emphasizing the oddity and embarrassment.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the legislative debate, having repeatedly participated in the discussion surrounding the second reading of the Competition Act. Reference is made to prior activity, including participation in coalition negotiations in March 2023 and monitoring the process over a period of three years.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong criticism has been directed at the coalition partners Eesti 200 (Margus Tsahkna) and Minister of Justice Liisa Pakosta, who are accused of delaying the processing of the draft bill and rejecting an earlier, acceptable solution. The former Minister of Justice, Lea Danilson-Järg, is also criticized for failing to bring the draft legislation before the government. The critique targets procedural missteps and political unwillingness, which have led to an ineffective outcome.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker highlights the Social Democrats' previous support for the draft legislation and the agreement reached in the coalition pact to proceed with the law, notwithstanding Eesti 200's initial resistance. At this current stage, however, cooperation has ceased because the trustworthiness of the process has vanished, and the speaker is recommending that the bill be dropped.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national legal framework (the Competition Act) and international obligations, particularly the avoidance of European Union infringement procedures and fines. There is no specific regional or local focus.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strong market regulation and strict punishment for competition crimes are supported, emphasizing that penalties must be enforceable and fines must be large enough to ensure effective deterrence. The current situation, where breaking the law is profitable (for example, the Olerex case, contrasting 40 million euros in profit with a 300,000 euro fine), is unacceptable. The objective is to protect consumers from high prices.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are represented indirectly through consumer protection and the problem of high prices, emphasizing that the ordinary person cannot solve competition crimes. The Pihlakodu case is referenced as an example of a systemic problem where an individual complaint is insufficient. The pending status of other important social sector drafts (the Consent Law, the Gender Equality Law) on the Justice Minister’s desk is also mentioned.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is on supporting the termination of proceedings for Draft Bill 609 SE of the Competition Act, as it has lost credibility due to procedural issues. The speaker emphasizes that the Social Democrats supported an earlier solution discussed in the Riigikogu (Parliament) that would have prevented the payment of the fine. Furthermore, criticism is directed at the stalling of other important draft bills (the Consent Law, the Gender Equality Law) that fall under the jurisdiction of the Minister of Justice.
3 Speeches Analyzed