Agenda Profile: Arvo Aller
First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu "Proposal to the Republic's Government to submit an application to the European Commission for the exemption of energy production companies from the obligation to purchase CO2 quotas" (619 OE)
2025-05-14
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position strongly supports the draft bill that seeks to exempt energy producers from the obligation to purchase CO2 quotas, viewing this as a necessary step toward lowering energy prices. The government is sharply criticized for its passivity, with critics emphasizing that it should have taken on this task itself in the interest of safeguarding the public's livelihood. The political framework is outcome-based, focusing on improving the financial resilience of the Estonian people.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speakers demonstrated expertise regarding the components of energy pricing (CO2, the electricity market) and EU regulations. They cited examples from the history of milk quotas and specifically referenced Article 122 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) as the basis for requesting a derogation. They also analyzed the impact of emissions trading, arguing that it primarily benefits traders, not producers.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetoric is critical and direct, featuring accusations regarding the government's inaction and officials' inadequate analysis. Historical analogies (such as milk quotas) are employed, and direct questions are posed to highlight the injustice inherent in the components of the energy price. One speaker takes a moment for a side note, criticizing the "mud-slinging" occurring within the political discourse.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is aimed at the government, which is accused of neglecting the welfare of the people, and at officials of the Ministry of Climate. Officials are criticized for failing to identify or utilize EU legal instruments, such as Article 122, for requesting a CO2 derogation. The criticism is policy- and procedure-based.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Regarding cooperation, the need to involve neighboring countries is stressed in order to strengthen the application for a CO2 derogation, citing the security situation. Data on cooperation between the Riigikogu factions is lacking, but there is support for a bill that the government failed to initiate.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the Estonian national level, emphasizing the resilience and well-being of the Estonian people and the proportion of domestic energy production (oil shale). An international focus is also crucial in the context of EU regulations and the current security situation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views center on reducing energy prices through the elimination of regulatory requirements (CO2 quotas). Skepticism is voiced regarding the emissions trading scheme and the electricity market, as these mechanisms are thought to primarily benefit quota traders, rather than producers or consumers.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The single social issue is the general ability of Estonian people to cope and maintain their well-being, a situation directly linked to the high cost of energy. The government's obligation to ensure the economic subsistence of the populace is stressed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on supporting a draft bill that seeks to exempt energy producers from the obligation to purchase CO2 quotas. The necessity of examining the EU legal basis, particularly Article 122, is emphasized in order to find a derogation related to the security situation.
2 Speeches Analyzed