Session Profile: Mario Kadastik
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session.
2025-03-24
Political Position
Strong opposition to the premature termination of renewable energy subsidies, stressing that this is inconsistent with Estonia's energy and climate objectives. It supports strategic major investments, such as a nuclear power plant and Estlink 3, deeming them crucial for guaranteeing persistently low electricity prices and energy security. The political stance is heavily policy-driven, focusing on market functionality and the achievement of long-term goals.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates in-depth knowledge of energy policy, particularly the functioning of the electricity market, support schemes (such as fixed tariffs versus competitive bidding/auctions), and infrastructure financing (specifically Elering's congestion charges). They use concrete data and figures (e.g., the cost price of oil shale, the price of CO2 quotas, and China's renewable energy volumes) to back up their arguments. The speaker consistently explains why major investments in renewable energy are necessary to drive down the market price, given that the electricity market is not a truly free market.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is analytical, data-driven, and often reactive, responding directly to questions and objections raised by the audience. The tone is predominantly professional, but shifts to assertive and, at times, ideologically contentious, particularly on the subject of cheap fossil fuels. The speaker uses blunt language to counter opponents' arguments, labeling them "hot air" or "false," and rejects the base accusation of being called a "Putinist."
14 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Serves as the rapporteur for the Economic Affairs Committee, acting as the representative of the lead committee during the proceedings of the specific draft bill. Participated in two committee sessions (March 11 and 17) and reported the committee's consensus decision to reject the draft bill. The mode of operation is focused on the legislative process and the presentation of the committee's positions to the plenary assembly.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
He/She strongly opposes the initiators of the bill who seek to terminate renewable energy subsidies, labeling their assertions regarding the market situation as incorrect. He/She sharply criticizes the narrative that fossil fuels (oil shale) are cheap, citing data from the head of Enefit Power which indicates the price of oil shale exceeds 200 euros per MWh. He/She rejects personal attacks, such as calling Hanah a Putinist, deeming it a despicable accusation.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It reports on the commission's consensus procedural decisions but acknowledges a clear disagreement in the substantive vote (a motion for rejection passed with 7 votes in favor and 2 against). It refers to the Republic's Government's unanimous decision not to support the draft bill. It mentions the Social Democrats as the party that had previously strongly pushed the topic of offshore wind energy.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national energy security and international connections (Estlink 3, the fourth Estonia-Latvia connection). There is no regional focus, apart from the Kiviõli region, which was mentioned in the context of criticizing oil shale energy to illustrate pollution problems.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports strategic state intervention and major investments (nuclear power plant, interconnectors) to stabilize the electricity market and lower prices, noting that these investments would be covered by congestion fees. They view the electricity market as imperfect, arguing that the lack of cheap base load capacity keeps prices high. They also support raising national defense spending to 5% of GDP, stressing that the necessary funds for security are available.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data
14 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is supporting the Economic Affairs Committee's proposal to reject, during the first reading, the draft bill concerning the termination of renewable energy subsidies. It emphasizes the long-term priorities set out in the coalition agreement, such as the establishment of dispatchable capacities and a nuclear power plant, which are on the 2035-plus timeline.
14 Speeches Analyzed