Agenda Profile: Aleksei Jevgrafov
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 Draft Bill 556 SE, which endangers the oil shale energy sector by prioritizing intermittent renewable energy sources. The speaker stresses energy security, economic competitiveness, and social stability, calling for a diverse energy mix that includes dispatchable sources. The framing is clearly value- and policy-driven, protecting the interests of the Estonian people against an irresponsible transition.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge in the field of energy, utilizing technical terms such as dispatchable capacity, intermittent production, and storage solutions. He supports his arguments with specific technological solutions, like carbon capture, referencing the expertise of Tallinn University of Technology professor Alar Konist. Comparative financial figures are also presented regarding investments in CO2 capture (200–300 million euros) and the costs of offshore wind farms.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is serious, cautionary, and defensive, emphasizing the critical nature of the upcoming choice and the lack of responsibility on the part of the opposition. A balanced approach is employed, combining logical arguments (technological instability, import dependency) with emotional appeals to protect the interests of the Estonian people. The speech is formal and addressed both to members of the Riigikogu and the general public.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Lack of data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed against the supporters of the bill, who are criticized for irresponsible and ill-considered policies that destroy existing energy security. The criticism is policy- and consequence-based, focusing on the growing dependence on imported energy and the vulnerability of the economy. Instead of a compromise, a proposal was submitted to terminate the proceedings.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is party-centric, as the speaker submits a proposal to terminate the proceedings on behalf of the Centre Party. There are no references to inter-party cooperation or to seeking compromises regarding the content of the draft bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
There is a strong regional focus on Ida-Virumaa, highlighting the oil shale sector's significance as an employer and warning against the risk of massive unemployment and a social crisis in the region. The demand is for a just transition that specifically takes into account the needs of the people in this particular area.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives emphasize maintaining economic competitiveness and electricity price stability, opposing import dependency and price volatility. Support is given to investments in local resources and innovation (CO2 capture), which could provide affordable electricity and ensure the financial well-being of citizens.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus regarding social issues centers on the impact of the energy transition on employment and social stability in Ida-Viru County. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of ensuring a just transition to prevent mass unemployment and a social crisis in the region.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on the draft act amending the Electricity Market Act (Bill 556 SE), which the speaker strongly opposes during the second reading. The main action taken was submitting a proposal on behalf of the Centre Party to discontinue the proceedings of the bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed