Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
First Reading of the Draft Act Amending the Waste Act (430 SE)
2024-09-11
Fifteenth Riigikogu, fourth session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is one of strong opposition to the draft amendment to the Waste Act (430 SE), which targets fundamental changes to the operations and costs of market participants. This opposition is primarily motivated by procedural shortcomings—namely, the violation of good legislative practice and inadequate consultation. The position has been forcefully articulated, stressing that the proposed changes could compel businesses to cease operations. The underlying framework is primarily policy- and results-based, necessitating greater political oversight from the minister.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker exhibits thorough knowledge of waste management regulation, focusing on the requirements for guarantees and the complexity of insuring waste handlers. A particular technical problem is highlighted: the excessively large guarantees demanded by the Environmental Board impede reuse and recycling. The risks for insurers are also analyzed, warning that legislative changes could create a situation where there is no supply available in the insurance market.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, analytical, and critical, yet personally respectful toward the minister, who is referred to as a "good worker." The appeal is primarily logical and based on an analysis of procedural errors and market effects. The speaker uses the experience of the former minister to encourage the current minister to provide political input himself and to supervise the work of the ministry.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The MP is active during the Riigikogu plenary session, participating in the first reading of the draft Waste Act and repeatedly questioning the minister about stakeholder engagement and impact assessments. This pattern of activity indicates a focus on the quality and details of the legislative process.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at the actions of the Ministry of Climate and the minister, citing a deficient stakeholder engagement process and an inadequate assessment of the bill's potential impacts. The criticism is both procedural and political, stressing that the minister placed excessive trust in the ministry's preliminary work. There is no talk of compromise; rather, critics are demanding a fundamental revision of the bill and renewed negotiations with interest groups.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker demonstrates collaboration with other critical members of the Riigikogu, concurring with the previous questioner's stance regarding the insufficient level of engagement. Emphasis is placed on the necessity for extensive cooperation and negotiations with external stakeholders (waste handlers, insurance providers), which the ministry failed to consider during the preparation of the draft legislation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national regulation and its impact on Estonian market participants, with no references to specific regional problems or projects.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives emphasize the need to protect market actors from excessive regulatory costs that could lead to business closure. Business interests are prioritized, with warnings that the draft legislation hinders recycling and reuse while simultaneously increasing financial risks. A broader impact assessment of the proposed changes is required.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Data is lacking.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on the criticism and opposition surrounding the draft amendment to the Waste Act (Bill 430 SE). The priority is to ensure that the legislative process complies with good practice requirements, which involves engaging target groups and thoroughly assessing the impact of the changes on the market. The speaker is acting as a strong opponent of the bill, demanding its comprehensive review.
2 Speeches Analyzed