Agenda Profile: Lauri Laats
Request for information regarding the restoration and resilience plan and the use of oil shale (no. 668)
2025-01-13
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
A strong proponent for continuing the use of oil shale and emphasizing energy security. It requires that reliance on oil shale must guarantee dispatchable capacity and that the sector must not be forced out; critical of the green energy transition, stressing the necessity of continuing oil shale use and considering CO2 capture and the short-term use of gas turbines. One might notice an unwelcome slight shift in the government’s position, which has raised the question of whether the government has changed its stance regarding the future of oil shale.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
A demonstrative energy knowledge base: mentions ENMAK forecasts, higher consumption growth and price levels, drawing attention to capacity management (dispatchable capacity, gas turbines), and criticism regarding the economic impacts of the green transition. It emphasizes the importance of CO2 capture and establishes a connection between energy market stability and the utilization of subsurface resources.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
A tone suitable for parliamentary debate and argumentation; uses examples (Germany's energy management, cable disruptions) and visual references to energy security. It is a combination of fact-based reasoning and more emotional framing ("social catastrophe in Ida-Virumaa"). It includes appeals to the Riigikogu and the Prime Minister, and often concludes with a clear statement of position.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Frequent participation in the interpellation with speeches delivered on the same day; the primary actions focus on issues related to the review of energy policy and securing responses from the government. The speech is organized within the context of these events (the interpellation), indicating a persistent effort to advance the topic through parliament, although no reports of cooperation or collaborative projects are brought forward.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The text expresses a critical stance regarding the expansion of green energy and the risks posed by government actions to energy security. It emphasizes the necessity of maintaining the utilization of oil shale as a strategic resource and criticizes the government's inconsistent or deficient management of the energy economy. Furthermore, it criticizes the perceived market-based pricing structure and the subsidization of green energy through liabilities imposed on taxpayers.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data. The text provides no clear references to cooperation or shared intentions with other political parties; the focus is primarily conveyed through individual speeches and inquiries.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The text calls for highlighting the regional social and economic impact on Ida-Virumaa, specifically emphasizing the links between employment in the oil shale sector and regional development. It is noted that shutting down the oil shale sector would lead to a social catastrophe in Ida-Virumaa.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economically critical regarding green energy subsidies and the burden placed on consumer taxpayers; emphasizes that the expansion of green energy may not bring cheaper electricity, and guaranteed energy prices could persist. He/She prefers oil shale as a stable supply source and considers the socio-economic costs. In the discussions raised, he/she points to issues concerning consumers and the balance of the state budget.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Assessments concerning the protection of families and working people in Ida-Viru County employment; it uses the term “social catastrophe” as justification for preserving the oil shale sector, and emphasizes the importance of jobs and community viability.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative instrument is an interpellation concerning the government’s responses regarding the Recovery and Resilience Plan and the use of oil shale; it focuses on energy security and the sustainable development of sectors, including issues related to CO2 capture and ensuring dispatchable capacities. Emphasis is placed on maintaining oil shale as part of the dialogue between parliament and the government.
5 Speeches Analyzed