Agenda Profile: Mait Klaassen
Second reading of the draft law amending the Subsoil Act (435 SE)
2024-12-11
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is one of strong support for the draft amendment to the Subsoil Act, which aims to halt the processing of oil shale mining permits until 2026. This is a policy-driven position focused on achieving the country's climate goals and transitioning towards cleaner industry and oil shale-free energy production. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of preventing a situation where businesses develop a legitimate expectation that would later be nullified by new regulations.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of the legislative process, referencing deadlines, committee sessions, and the involvement of interest groups. Professional competence is also evident in the discussion of legal concepts (e.g., legitimate expectation, the principle of legal clarity) and specific provisions of the Earth's Crust Act (such as the expansion of a mining claim). He/She relies on analyses provided by the Legal and Analysis Department of the Riigikogu and the Ministry of Climate.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style of the address is formal and procedural, concentrating on a detailed report of the steering committee's work and the progression of the proceedings. The appeals are predominantly logical and analytical, relying on legal arguments and established precedent (specifically, the prior suspension of the oil shale development plan). The tone remains respectful towards colleagues and business stakeholders, aiming to clarify the rational foundation of the draft legislation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's operational pattern is closely linked to the committee's work, providing precise dates for sessions and debates (e.g., November 12, December 5). He/She is an active rapporteur, fully informed about both the current bill's proceedings and other legislative processes (e.g., the processing of the Waste Act).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct confrontation, but the speaker is actively engaged in legal opposition, which stems from the assessment by the Riigikogu Legal and Analysis Department regarding inconsistency with the constitution. The speaker contrasts this with the Ministry of Climate’s stance that suspending the permits is a goal-oriented solution and the least burdensome option for individuals. The text also addresses the desire of environmental associations to extend the suspension for an additional year.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is open and consensual, emphasizing that the lead committee made the procedural decisions (concluding the second reading and moving to the final vote) by consensus. Extensive cooperation took place with interest groups and the ministry, and the speaker promises to answer the colleague (Urmas)'s question in writing.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation and climate goals concerning oil shale mining. Specifically mentioned are companies associated with Ida-Virumaa (e.g., VKG Kaevandused OÜ, Kiviõli Keemiatööstuse OÜ), which points to an awareness of the regional impact and significance of the legislation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic viewpoint supports state intervention through regulation (the suspension of permits) to prevent businesses from incurring unnecessary expenses and making investments that would become pointless in light of the new climate rules. A long-term transition to cleaner industry and oil shale-free energy is preferred over granting short-term mining rights.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the Draft Act on Amendments to the Earth's Crust Act (435 SE), which concerns the temporary suspension of oil shale mining permit procedures until January 1, 2026. The speaker is the rapporteur for the lead committee, who supports concluding the second reading of the draft bill and moving it to the final vote.
2 Speeches Analyzed