Session Profile: Aleksei Jevgrafov
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
2025-05-21
Political Position
The political position is one of strong opposition to the government’s current energy strategy, particularly the rapid closure of the oil shale sector. The speaker urgently emphasizes the need to guarantee the nation's energy security through dispatchable capacity and demands investments in carbon-free oil shale energy (CO2 capture technologies). This stance is primarily results-driven, focusing on stability, affordable electricity, and accountability for the industry.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the energy sector, particularly concerning oil shale, CO2 quotas, and carbon capture technologies. Specific technical and economic data are utilized, citing the expert opinions of Enefit Power CEO Lauri Karp (stating the Auvere levelized cost at 30–40 euros), Elering (regarding the need for 1000 MW of dispatchable capacity), and Tallinn University of Technology (TTÜ) Professor Alar Konist (estimating the CCS investment at 200–300 million euros).
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is serious, critical, and insistent, combining logical, data-based arguments with an emotional appeal to responsibility and the well-being of the Estonian people. The speaker employs a clear contrast (two choices) to the government's policy and maintains a formal tone, addressing the minister and colleagues directly.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The patterns of activity were limited to a single plenary session, where both questions and a long, detailed speech were presented, followed by brief concluding remarks and an appeal to the minister. There is no data regarding regularity or other events.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the government and the minister, who face criticism for their insufficient grasp of reality, their neglect of the employment situation in Ida-Virumaa, and their ineffective investment priorities. The criticism is policy-driven, specifically questioning the government's capacity to guarantee both lower electricity prices and energy security.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Information regarding the cooperation style is lacking, as the speech focuses on criticizing the government and calling upon colleagues to support an alternative innovation strategy. The speaker appeals to other Riigikogu members to support the second option (investing in innovation).
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus is placed on Ida-Virumaa, highlighting the county's significant reliance on the oil shale sector for employment (accounting for nearly 20% of all jobs). The speaker warns of the potential loss of thousands of jobs and stresses the necessity of ensuring the region's economic and social stability.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives support maintaining industry and employment, and ensuring an affordable electricity price, which should fall rather than rise. Strategic investment in existing industry (CCS technologies) is preferred, as this is considered an expenditure dozens of times smaller and more responsible than the government’s large allocations for offshore wind farms.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the employment situation in Ida-Viru County and guaranteeing the region's social stability, a matter directly tied to the future of the oil shale sector. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of creating new skilled jobs for engineers and specialists through innovation.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Legislative focus is currently directed toward amending the government's strategic investment decisions and reforming the national energy policy. The priority is the introduction of CO2 capture technologies into existing power plants, leveraging the inventions developed by Estonian scientists and workers.
5 Speeches Analyzed