Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Second reading of the Draft Act (359 SE) on amendments to the Law on the Organization of the Energy Economy, the Electricity Market Act, and the Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management System Act
2024-09-18
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The politician is strongly opposed to the draft law which accelerates the establishment of renewable energy projects under the guise of "overriding public interest." The opposition is primarily value-based, highlighting the ceding of Estonian territory (specifically maritime areas) to foreign companies on preferential terms and the violation of constitutional environmental protection principles. The stance also addresses issues of economic viability, casting doubt on whether electricity prices will actually drop when weighed against the billions in costs required for grid development.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the accelerated procedure for establishing renewable energy projects (offshore wind farms, onshore wind farms) and the outcomes of the tenders. He/She quotes the constitution regarding the provision on nature conservation and environmental protection and highlights specific economic arguments concerning the costs of constructing parallel energy grids.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, questioning, and combative, accusing the opposition of undermining the spirit of the constitution and destroying the environment. The speaker attempts to explain a complex topic to the ordinary person, basing their arguments on constitutional and financial considerations rather than emotional appeals.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The patterns of activity are restricted to four addresses given on a single day (September 18, 2024) during the second reading of the draft law at the Riigikogu session. No other information is available regarding the frequency of appearances or related events.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition consists of the bill's proponents, who are being criticized for disregarding the spirit of the constitution and fast-tracking the destruction of the environment. The criticism is intense, and the politician accuses the opposing side of using dishonest economic reasoning, demanding that they acknowledge the truth. The resistance is based on policy and values, challenging the governance of the nation's territory.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is cooperating, repeatedly referring to and building upon the issues raised by colleague Kalle Grünthal (the maritime area, citing the constitution). This demonstrates clear cooperation with opposition members who share similar viewpoints. Openness to compromise is not mentioned.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly national, centering on the sovereignty and utilization of Estonian territory (both maritime areas and mainland) by foreign companies. Attention is also being paid to the pressuring of Estonian private landowners during the establishment of wind farms.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic analyses express skepticism regarding the viability of renewable energy projects, stressing that the supposed decrease in electricity prices fails to offset the billions required for grid infrastructure development. There is opposition to policies that grant foreign companies preferential terms for operating within the territory of the Estonian state.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue concerns the constitutional protection of the natural environment as a common good, alongside the pressure being exerted on private landowners to sell their land. These topics are linked to environmental protection and property rights issues.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on the opposition to Bill 359 SE, which proposes amendments to energy laws aimed at fast-tracking the establishment of renewable energy projects. The speaker is a staunch opponent, highlighting the negative consequences the bill would have on the environment and national sovereignty.
4 Speeches Analyzed