Agenda Profile: Mario Kadastik
Draft law amending the Electricity Market Act (568 SE) - First Reading
2025-03-24
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session.
Political Position
The speaker is a staunch opponent of Bill 568 SE, which seeks to abolish renewable energy subsidies, stressing that this move runs counter to Estonia’s energy and climate objectives. The political focus centers on achieving long-term energy independence, establishing cheap base load capacity (a nuclear power plant), and leveraging the price-lowering market effect of renewables. He defends the stance of the government and the commission that these subsidies are essential for attracting major investments that would ultimately push expensive electricity out of the market.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a high level of expertise concerning the operation of the electricity market, support schemes (such as competitive tenders versus fixed tariffs), and energy investments. They employ technical arguments, clarifying how large producers determine the market price and why capital investments are excluded from the market supply. Furthermore, they present specific data regarding the cost price of oil shale energy (exceeding 200 euros/MWh) and the funding sources for infrastructure (congestion revenues).
14 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker employs a predominantly analytical and data-driven style, focusing on technical explanations and factual correction. The tone is occasionally sharp and corrective, particularly when addressing questions and assertions from the audience (for instance, concerning the price of oil shale and the scope of subsidies), labeling certain claims as "a vile assertion" or "hot air." He utilizes logical appeals to substantiate the economic rationale of renewable energy compared to fossil fuels.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker served as the representative and rapporteur for the Economic Affairs Committee during the first reading of the draft legislation, having been consensually appointed as the representative of the lead committee. He/She participated in two committee sessions (on March 11 and 17) and referenced the decision of the Government of the Republic dated February 20.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at the initiators of the draft bill and those who promote oil shale energy as a cheap alternative, highlighting its actual high price (130–200 euros/MWh). He rejected the personal attack ("Putinist") as a vile accusation and ideologically countered those who rationally consider fossil fuels to be cheaper. He also criticizes the claims that billions have been budgeted for onshore wind subsidies.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the consensus-based cooperation within the Economic Affairs Committee on procedural matters and highlights the committee's strong majority (7 in favor, 2 against) on the proposal to reject the draft legislation. He/She also refers to the unanimous stance of the Government of the Republic in not supporting the bill, thereby demonstrating the alignment of views between the government and the committee.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national energy policy and regional connectivity, mentioning Estlink 3 and the fourth Estonia-Latvia connection. In the context of developing renewable energy, onshore wind farms and the topic of offshore wind were mentioned. Regionally, Kiviõli Adventure Park and the VKG plant were mentioned in the context of oil shale pollution.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker supports investments in renewable energy and a nuclear power plant to achieve stable, cheap baseload capacity, viewing oil shale energy as expensive and a pointless waste of money. He/She emphasizes that renewable energy drives down electricity prices and that infrastructure investments (Estlink 3) will be covered by congestion charges, not network tariffs. He/She also distinguishes between the old fixed subsidy schemes and the new schemes based on competitive tenders.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
14 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the submission of the Economic Affairs Committee’s proposal to reject Draft Bill 568 SE (the Draft Act amending the Electricity Market Act) during its first reading. A longer-term legislative priority is the construction of a nuclear power plant, which is clearly stipulated in the coalition agreement. He/She also mentions the historical decision to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP.
14 Speeches Analyzed