Agenda Profile: Mart 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
Strong opposition has emerged to the government's current energy policy, which is viewed as destroying the Estonian economy and setting the country on a path to ruin. The primary focus is on the lack of energy stability and reserves, emphasizing the necessity of restoring cheap and reliable production (oil shale energy). The political framework is strongly value-based and results-driven, accusing opponents of ignoring reality and talking nonsense.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding energy stability (frequency reserves, stabilization) and the historical development of generation capacities, providing examples of the oil shale industry’s role. Specific economic indicators are utilized, such as the buy-sell price spread for small producers (2.3 cents vs. 25.6 cents/kWh), to illustrate the systemic injustice. Reference is also made to international examples, such as the scale of damages resulting from Spain’s one-day power outage (€400 million).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is extremely combative, emotional, and dramatic, employing powerful historical analogies (the Supreme Soviet of Soviet Estonia) and personal memories of childhood power outages in Pärnu. Opponents are repeatedly branded as "idiots," "crazies," and proponents of "the racket." A moral and religious framework is utilized, referencing the Bible and the concept of double sin for those who act knowingly.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data is limited to one day's Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) speeches during the second reading of the draft act amending the Electricity Market Act. The patterns suggest a long, narrative speech that requires additional time, as well as active participation in the debate.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opponents are the defenders of the government's energy policy, who are accused of deliberately destroying the economy and promoting a "giant racket." The criticism is both policy-based and personal, accusing the opponents (especially those with PhDs in physics) of double transgression and complicity. Compromise is ruled out, as it is the duty of the people's representatives to "expose the racket."
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The text refers to cooperation and a common goal shared with the opposing camp, mentioning Rain Epler's address approvingly. Cooperation with the government side is not mentioned; instead, the necessity of opposition and the duty to stand against the draft legislation are stressed.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The primary focus is on national energy policy and the broader collapse of the economy, drawing comparisons with international examples like the dismantling of the German economy and the social fallout from the Spanish power cuts. The regional link is established through childhood memories of Pärnu (specifically, the Karusselli store) and references to the initial development of the oil shale industry.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strong opposition exists to green economy subsidies and systems, which are widely regarded as a "huge racket" that funnels taxpayer money (millions and billions) into the pockets of private individuals via wind and solar parks. Proponents advocate for cheap and stable energy, pointing to the positive historical role of oil shale energy. Warnings are being issued about the potential collapse of the economy and the relocation of production out of Estonia and Europe.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is aimed at ensuring the stability and security of society, warning that prolonged power outages could lead to social chaos and violence (referencing the Spanish example). Energy insecurity is framed as a direct threat to the population's ability to cope and to social order.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker is a staunch opponent of the draft legislation amending the Electricity Market Act (556 SE). They argue that the bill fails to guarantee energy stability, and instead funnels even more money from the state budget directly to those profiting from this "racket." The stated objective is to defeat the bill and expose the damage it will cause.
4 Speeches Analyzed