Agenda Profile: Aleksei Jevgrafov
First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu "Organizing a referendum on the question of electricity production from oil shale" (581 OE)
2025-05-13
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance centers on preserving electricity generation from oil shale, strongly opposing the government's phase-out plans. There is robust support for the implementation of CO2 capture technology (CCS), emphasizing its significantly lower investment cost compared to offshore wind parks. This position is strongly policy- and results-driven, underscoring the necessity of avoiding adverse social consequences.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The presenters demonstrate expertise in the fields of energy technology and regional economy. Specific investment figures (200–300 million euros) are utilized, and reference is made to CO2 capture technology and its cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, a professor from Tallinn University of Technology is quoted, and a historical announcement regarding a work-related invention dating back to 2005 is referenced.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and accusatory, challenging coalition politicians and the Social Democrats regarding their inaction. The appeals are primarily logical and fact-based, referencing costs, technical solutions, and social consequences. The tone is sharp and suspicious regarding the motives of the opponents.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is insufficient data regarding the frequency or patterns of these occurrences, as only two speeches were presented during a single day of the Riigikogu session.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the government coalition and the Social Democratic Party (SDE), who are accused of preventing the rescue of the oil shale sector and ignoring the problems facing Narva. The criticism is aimed at political inaction and the disregard for social consequences. Separately, SDE board member Katri Raik is criticized, with her commitment to the residents of Narva being called into question.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speeches are purely critical and directed solely at blaming the ruling parties. There is no information regarding a willingness to cooperate, the seeking of compromises, or a cross-party approach.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strongly regional, concentrating on the problems of Ida-Virumaa and Narva. Emphasis is placed on the importance of the oil shale sector in ensuring local employment, as well as the crisis caused by the threefold increase in heating prices and high unemployment that has affected Narva residents.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives stress the importance of retaining the existing industry (oil shale) to secure employment and maintain low electricity and heating costs. Cost-effective and technological solutions (CCS) are favored over large, expensive green projects, indicating a pragmatic approach to industrial support.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is the direct negative impact of energy policy on the residents of Ida-Virumaa. Emphasis is placed on social consequences, such as high unemployment and a threefold increase in heating prices in Narva, linking these problems directly to the plans for abandoning oil shale.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Speeches are delivered during the first reading of Riigikogu draft decision 581 OE (referendum on the issue of electricity production from oil shale). The legislative focus is on saving the existing sector through technological solutions and opposing the government's policy, using the draft resolution as a platform for highlighting political priorities.
2 Speeches Analyzed