Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Second reading of the draft law amending the Electricity Market Act (556 SE)
2025-05-07
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the current energy policy, particularly the draft amendment to the Electricity Market Act. It is emphasized that the new system is enormously expensive and overly complicated for consumers, and that the goal of increasing the share of renewable energy might lead to electricity shortages. The stance is focused on results (the availability of electricity) and core values (simplicity and affordability).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of technical terms in the energy sector (e.g., island operation, supply curve, over- and under-consumption) and the necessity of grid investments. Examples (the Spain test) are used to illustrate the multi-billion cost of system restoration. He sharply criticizes the assumption that a greater share of renewable energy will lead to lower prices.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is combative, critical, and concerned, utilizing direct address toward the ordinary person who cannot grasp the complex debate. Both logical arguments are employed (the cost of testing, the necessity of investment) as well as emotional appeals (nostalgia for cheap and simple electricity). The rhetoric includes a strong ad hominem attack against the competence of European energy policy leaders.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in parliamentary energy debates, raising critical questions and presenting their positions. They also mention participating in an education-themed conference, which indicates activity extending beyond the parliamentary energy debates.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is aimed at policymakers (both at the national and European levels) who have made the energy sector complicated and expensive. The criticism is both political (a wrong and costly direction) and personal, calling into question the competence and education of the leaders (a reference to a gynecologist leading European energy policy).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national energy issues (the island operation mode of the Estonian grid and its cost) and at the international level (the restructuring of European energy, the example of the Spanish test). There is no specific local or regional emphasis.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic arguments strongly focus on reducing consumer costs and prioritizing simplicity. This stands in opposition to regulations that make electricity, including grid fees, prohibitively expensive, favoring instead a cheap and straightforward solution. The preference is for solutions that do not impose any additional costs on electricity consumers.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It emphasizes the importance of education and specialists when tackling complex issues, linking political failures to the insufficient professional preparation of leaders. Participation in an education-themed conference is also mentioned.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the opposition to the draft Act amending the Electricity Market Act (556 SE). The speaker is acting as a staunch opponent, highlighting the significant costs for consumers and the system's inherent unreliability stemming from the proposed bill.
3 Speeches Analyzed