Agenda Profile: Aleksei Jevgrafov
Draft law amending the Electricity Market Act (556 SE) – third reading
2025-05-14
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to the draft amendment of the Electricity Market Act (556 SE), arguing that it places an unfair financial burden on consumers for the development of renewable energy. This position is value-driven, emphasizing the need to ensure energy security and protect the elderly and low-income individuals. The speaker advocates for maintaining and developing the existing oil shale energy sector using CO2 capture technologies, rather than rushing a transition to unstable sources.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of energy policy and technology, distinguishing between dispatchable and intermittent capacity while emphasizing the importance of energy security. He utilizes technical data and references, mentioning CO2 capture technologies and their cost (200–300 million euros), and referencing Professor Alar Konist of Tallinn University of Technology. Reference is also made to an invention developed 20 years ago by employees of the Narva power plant for reducing CO2 emissions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speech is critical, pressing, and emotional, addressing the "dear Estonian people" directly and focusing heavily on protecting the average citizen's wallet. The rhetorical style blends logical arguments (fragmented production, cost allocation) with powerful emotional appeals for justice. Sharp rhetorical questions are used repeatedly to cast doubt on the government's motives and accountability.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Data on the frequency or patterns of occurrences is insufficient, as the analysis is based on a single speech delivered in the Riigikogu during the third reading of the draft Electricity Market Act on May 14, 2025.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Government, coalition politicians, and the Social Democrats, who are accused of pursuing unfair and irresponsible policies. The criticism is political and focuses on the bill's unfairness, as it burdens consumers, and the government's unwillingness to develop existing resources (oil shale).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Information regarding cooperation is lacking, but the speaker calls upon his "good colleagues" to be critical of the draft bill and to consider alternative solutions. No willingness to compromise is expressed; instead, rejection of the draft bill is demanded.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national energy security and consumer protection, but the significance of the oil shale energy sector is heavily emphasized. The reference to the invention by the Narva power plant workers and the protection of the oil shale sector points directly to safeguarding industry and jobs in Ida-Virumaa.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints are focused on protecting consumers from additional burdens, stressing the necessity of ensuring stable and affordable energy. Investments are favored in the existing industry (oil shale) via innovation (CCS), as this is cheaper than a rapid and unjust green transition carried out at the expense of consumers.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social focus is on economic justice, emphasizing the need to protect the elderly and low-income individuals who are hit hardest by the rising electricity prices. This social concern is directly linked to the financial impacts of energy policy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is opposing the draft amendment to the Electricity Market Act (Bill 556 SE) during its third reading. The speaker strongly opposes the bill and advocates for legislative support for deploying CO2 capture technologies within the oil shale sector to guarantee energy security.
1 Speeches Analyzed