Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
First reading of the Bill (359 SE) for the Act supplementing the Act on the Organization of the Energy Sector and the Act on Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management System
2024-03-06
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is firmly opposed to the government’s economic policy and the energy projects related to the green transition (specifically, offshore wind farms), which they characterize as an ideological experiment. The primary demand is redirecting policy toward fostering economic growth, coupled with a comprehensive calculation of the total costs and total revenues of renewable energy projects for society. The focus remains on preserving economic competitiveness and preventing the imposition of burdens on future generations.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the assessment of the long-term economic and environmental impact of energy projects (offshore wind farms, solar parks). Particular emphasis is placed on the necessity of factoring in disposal costs and the burden left for future generations, referencing global waste management challenges.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker’s rhetorical style is combative and critical, accusing the government of killing the economy and shifting the blame. Both logical arguments (such as calculating the total cost and citing Neivelt) and powerful emotional imagery are employed, criticizing the hypocrisy of European green policy and the transport of waste to Africa. The tone is formal, yet sharp and accusatory.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speeches were delivered during the first reading of the draft legislation (Bill 359 SE) in the Riigikogu. Reference is made to earlier participation in the information hour, where the same topics were discussed with Prime Minister Kaja Kallas.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main adversary is the government and Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, who stands accused of conducting an ideological experiment, killing the economy with taxes, and shifting the blame onto the public and businesses. The criticism is intense and focuses on the policy's failure to stimulate economic growth and the lack of sufficient financial analysis.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no data available regarding the cooperation style with political partners. To back up their arguments, the speaker quotes economist Indrek Neivelt, stressing the necessity of factoring in the total cost of offshore wind farms.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level (the Estonian economy and energy management) and the global level, criticizing the impact of European green policy on Africa. Specific local or regional projects in Estonia are not emphasized; instead, large infrastructure projects (offshore wind farms) are addressed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives strongly emphasize the critical importance of economic growth and competitiveness, while simultaneously opposing tax hikes and crippling regulations that stifle the economy. They demand strict financial discipline and a comprehensive total cost analysis, which must include the disposal costs of renewable energy parks—costs that will ultimately be borne by future generations.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are not the focus of the speeches. The environmental impact is discussed in a global context, criticizing Europe's export of waste to Africa.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on opposing the draft bill (359 SE) concerning the Organization of Energy Management Act and the Environmental Impact Assessment Act. The speaker opposes the bill, focusing on the inadequate accounting of the total costs and disposal costs associated with the offshore wind farms and solar parks linked to it.
2 Speeches Analyzed