Session Profile: Mait Klaassen
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
2024-12-11
Political Position
The political position is strongly focused on supporting environmental policy goals, primarily through the temporary suspension of the processing of oil shale mining permits. This is a policy-based approach aimed at preventing the creation of legitimate expectations for businesses before the adoption of the future Climate Law and the transition towards oil-shale-free energy. The suspension is necessary to achieve the state's emission reduction targets.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of the complexities surrounding the Earth's Crust Law and the environmental permit procedure, utilizing specific terminology (e.g., mining allotment, the principle of legitimate expectation). This expertise is also evident in the presentation of detailed procedural processes and commissioned legal analyses (from the Ministry of Climate and the Legal and Analysis Department of the Riigikogu). He/She is able to explain the legal risks associated with processing permits before the new regulation comes into force.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, detailed, and procedural, typical of the rapporteur for the leading committee, who focuses on the neutral presentation of the draft legislation's history and the committee's decisions. The argumentation is predominantly logical and fact-based, emphasizing legal clarity and the avoidance of costs for businesses. The tone is moderate but stresses the necessity of suspension to avoid having to say "no" to businesses at a later stage.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in legislative work, presenting the activities and procedural decisions of the leading committee (the Environment Committee) to the Riigikogu plenary assembly. This scope of work includes detailed reporting from committee sessions (e.g., November 12, December 5) and consultations with various interest groups. He/She promises to send written responses to colleagues regarding specific questions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct personal confrontation, but legal objections raised by the Riigikogu Legal and Analysis Department regarding the infringement of legitimate expectation and the fundamental right to property are being addressed. These objections are mitigated by the Ministry of Climate's stance that the infringements resulting from the suspension outweigh the potential damages arising from unrealized rights. Businesses (e.g., VKG) declined to submit their positions if the deadline for the restrictions remains permanent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is open and consensual, emphasizing that the steering committee’s procedural decisions were reached by consensus. Extensive consultation with stakeholders has been highlighted, including industrial enterprises and environmental associations. This cooperation also involves the participation of ministries and the legal department of the Chancellery of the Riigikogu in commissioning analyses.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The direct focus is on national climate goals and legislation, but the topic being addressed directly concerns the oil shale industry of Northeastern Estonia and the companies operating there (e.g., VKG, Kiviõli Keemiatööstus, Heidelberg Materials Kunda AS). The objective is to prevent unnecessary investments by regional businesses.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic arguments favor regulatory intervention (a suspension) to prevent businesses from making unnecessary expenditures and investments in a situation where future climate regulations may restrict the use of oil shale. This is a pragmatic approach aimed at protecting businesses from economic losses incurred due to uncertainty and steering the industry toward cleaner energy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the Draft Act amending the Subsoil Act, which establishes a temporary suspension of procedures for oil shale mining permits until 2026. The speaker is a strong supporter and rapporteur of the draft, steering the completion of the second reading and its referral to the final vote. The draft act is a preparatory step for the future Climate Act.
2 Speeches Analyzed