Session Profile: Riina Sikkut
15th Riigikogu, 6th plenary sitting
2025-09-11
Political Position
The political focus is centered on financial market regulation and consumer protection, particularly within the non-bank lending sector. Support is being given to legislative measures, such as the creation of a positive credit register and the clarification of valuation requirements for residential property. Further restrictions are under consideration, such as a ban on nighttime lending, aimed at protecting consumers who incorrectly assess the cost of borrowing. This stance is strongly rooted in policy and regulation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the field of financial and credit market regulation, owing to their membership in the Finance Committee. Specific terminology is employed (e.g., the annual percentage rate of charge, the positive credit register, the Credit Union Act). The questions are grounded in the committee's work and specialized research (a study on the non-bank credit market), which clearly indicates a knowledge-based approach.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, analytical, and respectful, thanking the rapporteur for their thoroughness. The speaker employs a logical and detailed approach, linking their questions to the commission's work and the research data. The tone is businesslike and focuses on the necessity of regulatory solutions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in legislative work, serving as a member of the Finance Committee and having participated in its Tuesday review. The speaker will address the plenary session during the question period, following up on previously raised topics and referencing ongoing proceedings.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There are no direct opponents or specific groups being criticized; the focus is instead directed at shortcomings in market regulation, particularly within the non-bank credit market. The criticism targets systemic risks and consumer behavior patterns (specifically, prioritizing the monthly repayment amount over the total cost rate).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style is highly collaborative and appreciative, emphasizing the "very good" cooperation with the Financial Supervision Authority. Legislative work (e.g., requirements for residential real estate valuation) is planned based on the input of the Financial Supervision Authority, which indicates an openness to expert contributions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely on the national level, addressing issues concerning the Estonian financial market and legislation, such as the activities of the Financial Supervision Authority and national legislative bills.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports robust regulation in the financial market, particularly concerning non-bank credit, to ensure consumer protection and market stability. It views the operation of banking, the stock exchange, and non-life insurance as satisfactory, but identifies a need to intervene to mitigate risks within the credit market. The objective is to shield consumers from excessive debt burdens stemming from their misunderstanding of the true cost of credit.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The key legislative priorities include the Credit Union Act, the Credit Information Sharing Act (the positive credit register), and changes to the requirements for valuing residential real estate used as collateral. The speaker is an active proponent and architect of these amendments within the Finance Committee, stressing that they are currently in the legislative process.
3 Speeches Analyzed