Session Profile: Mait Klaassen
Fifteenth Riigikogu, fourth session, plenary session
2024-09-11
Political Position
The political focus is on the draft amendment to the Earth’s Crust Act, which temporarily suspends the processing of oil shale mining permits until 2026. It neutrally presents the committee’s decision to conclude the first reading of the draft bill, which signals support for the procedure. The climate policy framework is being established through the future Climate-Resilient Economy Act, which is expected to lay down a new procedure for permit processing. The political direction involves transitioning toward a climate-resilient economy by reducing the use of fossil fuels.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in legislative procedure and the specifics of the Environmental Committee’s work, accurately reporting both the substance of the discussion and the procedural decisions. He/She conveys technical details regarding the size of the usable oil shale reserves (approximately one billion tons) and the future intended purpose of oil shale (fine chemicals). This expertise also extends to matters concerning socio-economic impact assessment and the Just Transition Fund.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely formal, neutral, and procedural, typical of a presentation given by a representative of the steering committee. The speaker focuses on the precise and logical conveyance of facts, the substance of the committee's deliberations, and procedural decisions. Emotional or personal appeals are absent; the emphasis is placed on details and the question-and-answer structure.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The procedure involves him/her, as the representative of the Steering Committee, delivering a report to the Riigikogu, detailing the content and decisions made during the Environment Committee's previous session (June 3). He/She was designated as the Steering Committee's representative following the decision to conclude the first reading of the bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker himself does not express opposition, but reports that two members of the committee voted against placing the draft bill on the plenary agenda and concluding its first reading. The opposition primarily relates to the socio-economic impact of the bill on local governments and the legitimate expectations of businesses after 2026.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The working style is procedural, encompassing work within the commission with other members and communication with representatives of the Ministry of Climate (the Minister and advisors). Decisions were made by vote (5 in favor, 2 against), demonstrating majority consensus for the further handling of the draft legislation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is strongly directed towards Ida-Viru County due to the restriction of oil shale mining and the need to ensure a just transition. There is mention of boosting the prosperity of Ida-Viru County, increasing added value, and reducing pollution through cleaner production methods. Reference is also made to the issue of expanding the Viru Keemia Grupp's Ojamaa mine.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic positions emphasize a transition to a cleaner economy, where oil shale is primarily utilized in fine chemistry rather than energy production. Mitigation of the socio-economic impact in Ida-Virumaa is supported through the Just Transition Fund and grants for industrial parks. It is anticipated that businesses relying on fossil fuels will lose access to loans in the future.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on processing the draft amendment to the Earth's Crust Act, which aims to suspend the issuance of oil shale mining permits until 2026. The speaker supports the procedural advancement of the bill, proposing to conclude the first reading. A future priority mentioned is the draft Climate-Resilient Economy Act, which will establish new standards for mining and emissions restrictions.
2 Speeches Analyzed