Agenda Profile: Lauri Laats
Second reading of the draft law amending the Electricity Market Act (555 SE)
2025-04-23
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
Strong opposition to the government’s energy and green transition plan. Bill 555 SE, which was either botched or improperly implemented, is viewed as practically unworkable and will create additional costs for taxpayers; [the opposition] praises the importance of energy protection and security, but argues that the pace of the green transition and the subsidy mechanisms are detrimental to a people-centric economy. They reject a fragmented approach and call for a holistic, realistic perspective.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Focusing specifically on the energy sector, the text notes the issues related to boiler startup and depreciation, and the need to maintain a 1000 MW oil shale reserve, which is difficult in practice. It refers to international examples (losses from Swedish wind projects, disruptions in Great Britain and Germany, and the bankruptcy of Finland’s Valoe) and highlights that financing the green transition involves significant costs. Technical concepts and specific examples are used as reference points.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
A critical and agitated tone mixed with facts, personal narrative, and rhetorical questions. It utilizes contrasts like "on paper vs. reality," strong exclamations ("this doesn't matter at all," "my dear/friend"), and vetted statistics and examples to boost persuasiveness. This is a complex, yet well-supported presentation built on solid, fact-based arguments.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Three speeches delivered on the same day (2025-04-23) during the ongoing energy policy debate; referencing the positions of other politicians and experts (e.g., Lauri Läänemets) and highlighting specific questions concerning the sale of the Kiisa power plant. Presented as a segmented, thematic series of discussions that continues on the same topic.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Clearly amenable to the government's energy policy and the concept underlying Draft Bill 555 SE. Adopting a critical stance regarding the acceleration of the green transition, subsidies, and state investments, with particular focus directed at the sale of the Kiisa power plant and the conditions established for creating a 1000 MW reserve. Intense rhetoric and a viewpoint stressing that "the taxpayer foots the bill"; critical of compromise, yet not entirely focused on personal mutual benefit.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Critical of coalitions and concerned about the lack of coalition involvement and expertise; points out that even in previous governments, knowledge was insufficient and coalition partners decided on significant steps. There is no clear readiness for a broader consensus regarding co-analysis and cooperation opportunities; emphasizes the need for a holistic view, not the piecemeal, localized improvement of individual drafts.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A central discussion at the national level; examples from foreign countries, the relevance of the Kiisa station, and the security of the Estonian energy system are mentioned, without detailing specific regional preferences or regional site locations. International comparisons emphasize comprehensive policy research.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economically critical views regarding the financing of the green transition and its subsidy mechanisms, treating them as a burdensome cost source for the taxpayer. Concern is expressed regarding rising energy prices, the costs and effectiveness of national support measures, and it is emphasized that we must consider a cheaper, more realistic approach. Position: the balance between prices and burdens, and the guarantee of energy security, must not unduly weigh down the state budget.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The decline in trust towards the government (with a trust level of 21%), highlighted as a social dimension, along with the impact of energy availability and price increases on society. This indicates that energy policy affects public trust and societal well-being, but other social issues (e.g., education, migration, etc.) are not broadly addressed on a professional or sectoral level.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Critical consideration of the second reading of Draft Bill 555 SE; the primary focus is the assessment of the bill's pragmatic feasibility and overall political impact. Direct recommendations are absent—emphasizing the need for comprehensiveness and realism, and highlighting the prohibition of selling the Kiisa power plant as a crucial point. This indicates an official position against the draft bill or a search for a more thoroughly considered alternative, but does not prescribe specific alternative proposals.
4 Speeches Analyzed