Agenda Profile: Mario Kadastik
Second reading of the Draft Act (359 SE) on amendments to the Law on the Organization of the Energy Economy, the Electricity Market Act, and the Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management System Act
2024-09-18
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position involves strong support for accelerating renewable energy projects, while emphasizing its temporary nature (until the summer of 2025) as a means of resolving the energy crisis. This support is politically justified by the necessity of transposing EU directives and by the socio-economic benefits (a reduction in electricity prices). The speaker is clearly policy-driven and results-oriented, focusing on the removal of regulatory hurdles.
20 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise regarding energy sector legislation, the content and transposition of EU directives, and the procedural processes of the Riigikogu. They utilize specific terminology (e.g., "marginal price market," "CFD," "expert council") and clarify complex regulatory details, particularly concerning mitigation measures for environmental impact assessment and the accounting of storage.
20 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is highly formal, procedural, and analytical, focusing on the detailed presentation of the Steering Committee's work and responding to questions. The tone is neutral and explanatory, emphasizing legal and technical aspects, and utilizing logical arguments (e.g., why waiting is not reasonable) and voting results.
20 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Active in legislative work, maintaining close involvement with the working groups and sessions of the Economic Affairs Committee (e.g., August 27, September 10 and 16). Processes feedback from stakeholders (Utilitas Wind, Enefit Green, Estonian Private Forest Association) and ministries (Ministry of Climate), and participates in the voting on proposed amendments.
20 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is primarily aimed at the EKRE faction and other Riigikogu members who submitted a large number of amendments and sought to delay the proceedings. Criticism is also leveled at the European Commission's vague wording, which enabled a "jokk-scheme"—a loophole the Commission itself later introduced an amendment to fix.
20 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative approach is open to stakeholders and ministries (the Ministry of Climate), and proposals were thoroughly discussed within the working groups. A willingness to compromise was evident during the clarification of the definition of a recording, but the committee's decisions regarding the rejection of opposing proposals were made based on clear voting results (e.g., 6 votes in favor and 3 votes against).
20 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is broadly national and international, addressing EU directives and the European energy crisis. The local level is touched upon in relation to the positive socio-economic impact of wind farms (compensation fees, voluntary funding for the region), but specific regions are not emphasized.
20 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It supports developing the energy market through renewable energy to lower electricity prices for all consumers, citing the influence of windy weather on price reduction. It prefers financing this via excise duties and network fees, rather than tax hikes, and anticipates a positive socio-economic impact from these investments.
20 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is not enough data.
20 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the completion of the second reading and adoption of Bill 359 SE, which aims to accelerate the permitting process for renewable energy projects. Focus will be placed on transposing the EU directive, parallelizing the environmental permitting process, and eliminating procedural obstacles (such as the requirement for a named expert body).
20 Speeches Analyzed