Session Profile: Mario Kadastik
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
2025-04-16
Political Position
The political focus is heavily directed toward energy policy, supporting the ambitious 100% renewable energy goal, while simultaneously emphasizing that nuclear power is the best form of energy. Onshore wind farms are considered the most realistic short-term solution for lowering electricity prices. There is strong opposition to proposals that would result in lowering the target level, as this would be a step backward and would hinder the development of production capacity.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep technical and economic expertise regarding the functioning of the electricity market, repeatedly explaining the rules of the marginal market (marginal pricing market) and the complexity of recovering capital costs. Specific data is utilized (the price of CO2 quotas, the cost price of oil shale electricity at 130 EUR/MWh, a maximum subsidy rate of 200–250 million) and assessments are provided on the maturity and timeline of various technologies (nuclear power, geothermal, hydro).
16 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style of communication is predominantly logical, explanatory, and data-driven, focusing on refuting counter-arguments using specific facts and market regulations. The tone is formal, but occasionally offers personal clarification, especially regarding recurring topics (such as the functioning of the electricity market), even extending an offer for informal discussion to the opposing party.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is acting as the representative of the lead committee, providing an overview of the Economic Affairs Committee sittings (April 7 and 8), during which the substance of the draft legislation was discussed and procedural decisions were made. This pattern of activity is linked to legislative procedures and committee work within the Riigikogu.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is with Mart Maastik (Isamaa), whose claims regarding the unrealistic nature of ENMAK inputs and the cheapness of oil shale electricity are systematically refuted using data from Enefit Power and market prices. The criticism is directed against political objectives (lowering the target level) and economic misconceptions, and is not personal.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The committee proceedings detailed the voting results (e.g., 6 in favor, 3 against), highlighting the disagreements between the coalition and the opposition. The speaker is open to cooperation and dialogue, offering the opposing side the chance to discuss the matter even outside official sessions, and stresses the necessity of collaboration between developers and local communities.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is rather indirect, concentrating instead on national energy developments and planning (ENMAK 2035). While the role of local governments in planning wind farms and the geothermal test boreholes in Ida-Virumaa are mentioned, the primary emphasis remains at the national level.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker supports subsidies (up to 250 million) aimed at developing renewable energy, justifying this by the necessity of covering capital expenditure and lowering the average price of electricity, which provides society with a greater economic benefit. It is emphasized that affordable electricity is a massive competitive advantage for both industries and consumers.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is not enough data. The discussions focus exclusively on energy and economic topics.
16 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft energy bills currently under proceedings in the Economic Affairs Committee, particularly supporting the rejection of the bill concerning the objectives of ENMAK. Support is also provided for bills ensuring security of supply (e.g., Bill 555 – isolated grid operation) and the planning of new production capacities (Bill 541).
16 Speeches Analyzed