Agenda Profile: Tiit Maran
Inquiry Regarding Estonian Environmental Policy (No. 743)
2025-05-19
15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
Political Position
The political position focuses on strong criticism of the government's inaction regarding the approval of the environmental strategy (KEVAD), which has been stalled for nearly two years. Emphasis is placed on the need for a broad-based and strategic development plan to ensure Estonia's clean and biodiverse environment by the year 2030. The criticism is primarily policy- and procedure-based, demanding clarity regarding the foundations of strategic development.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in environmental policy planning, referencing details within the 73-page draft development plan and its preparation procedures (regulations, steering committees). This professional knowledge encompasses forestry (its economic, social, and ecological role) and matters of biodiversity conservation, drawing a clear distinction between restoration and preservation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and pragmatic, yet it also includes emotional notes (e.g., "it deeply affected my soul") and accusations of government secrecy. Numerous factual references are utilized (document structure, procedural rules), and accusations are leveled regarding the unexpected and secretive introduction of legal amendments (such as the 30% target).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's pattern of action demonstrates a systematic effort to hold the government accountable, starting with an earlier question directed at the Prime Minister and continuing with an interpellation to the minister regarding the absence of an environmental strategy. This indicates a persistent pattern of highlighting strategic deficiencies within the Riigikogu chamber.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary conflict is with the Ministry of Climate and the minister, who is being criticized for failing to approve the strategic development plan and for untrustworthy engagement. The criticism is particularly sharp regarding the secret and sudden introduction of legislative amendments (e.g., the 30% target), which took place "under the rug, secretly and quietly."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperative approach emphasizes wide-ranging involvement, citing a previous example of successful collaboration during the preparation of KEVAD (ministries, experts, stakeholders). It is required that all parties have a voice in shaping environmental and forestry policy in every instance.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly at the national level, addressing Estonian environmental policy, strategic planning, and the future of the forest industry as a whole.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints support the fundamental transformation of the forestry industry under the slogan "cut less and earn more," which points to backing the extension of the value chain and maximizing profit. The importance of assessing the economic role of nature tourism is also emphasized, concerning which Statistics Estonia currently lacks the capacity to collect data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues, emphasis is placed on the importance of environmental awareness and education, which serve as the supporting pillars of the development plan. It is also stressed that the established goals will be achieved through the contribution of every individual, and all people must recognize their role as factors influencing the environment.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed toward the absence of a strategic development document and its impact on existing laws. Clarity is specifically being demanded regarding the future development of the Forest Act and the Nature Conservation Act, criticizing the Forest Act's contradiction in defining the forest as an ecosystem while treating it as a raw material.
3 Speeches Analyzed