Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Draft law amending the Waste Act and, in consequence, amending other laws (657 SE) – first reading
2025-06-16
XV Riigikogu, V Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political stance is fiercely opposed to the draft amendment of the Waste Act (657 SE). Critics argue that the bill increases the tax burden and directly contradicts earlier government promises. Key deficiencies in the draft include the absence of concrete recycling targets and the excessive burden placed on local municipalities, leading to a performance-driven critique of the policy. The speaker stresses that this reform will introduce new taxes and obligations, ultimately driving up prices and impoverishing the populace.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in waste management and circular economy issues, citing the European Union's recycling targets and criticizing the draft bill's failure to impose these goals on local municipalities. The administrative and economic ramifications of the reform are also highlighted, including the transfer of responsibilities from private companies to local governments and the resulting increase in state expenditure due to the need to hire new staff.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and interrogative, repeatedly directing questions to the minister regarding the bill's contradictions and flaws, even utilizing extra time for this purpose. Formal language and logical argumentation are employed, emphasizing political failure and economic damage, although the term "tax festival" is used to create a political label.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in Riigikogu debates, participating in the first reading of the bill and posing questions to the minister. The pattern of activity involves revisiting topics raised by colleagues and utilizing additional time to present arguments.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is directed at the Reform Party and the Prime Minister, whose earlier promises (such as ending the tax festival) are considered to be in direct conflict with the new legislative draft. The criticism is sharp and focuses on the negative economic and administrative impact of the policy, accusing the government of introducing new taxes and obligations.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker demonstrates cooperation with colleagues, citing both Aivar Kokk's unanswered question and Priit Sibul's arguments to bolster their position. There is no indication of a willingness to compromise with the ruling party, as the draft legislation is already being judged a failure before it has even been implemented.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is aimed at municipalities, highlighting that the bill imposes new duties on them and generates problems requiring solutions—issues that that were previously handled by private firms. This underscores the growing burden on local administration.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic arguments are firmly against tax increases and new obligations, emphasizing that the waste reform will increase outlays for both individuals and businesses, thereby driving up prices. The criticism focuses on the growth of state spending due to the hiring of new employees and directly contradicts the prime minister's promise to end the "tax festival."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on opposing the draft amendment to the Waste Act (Bill 657 SE) because it fails to meet recycling targets and is thus considered a failure even before its implementation. The proposed alternative is to emphasize waste incineration for heat and electricity generation, thereby achieving at least some tangible benefit.
2 Speeches Analyzed