Agenda Profile: Andres Metsoja
Draft law amending the Environmental Levies Act (615 SE) – First Reading
2025-06-04
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The speaker strongly opposes the national strategic goal of transitioning energy production entirely (100%) to renewable energy, deeming it a strategically flawed and unreasonable decision. The primary focus is directed at the chaos in planning, the opaque decision-making process, and the deterioration of the living environment for rural residents. This position is highly critical of the government's actions and policy implementation, emphasizing the necessity of reviewing the set goals.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge regarding the planning of renewable energy, the regulation of impact zones (3 km inland versus 10 km offshore), and financial mechanisms (zero subsidies, grid fees). He highlights specific examples from Pärnu County (Sopi-Tootsi, Lavassaare) and proposes technical solutions through direct contracting and the regulation of tariffs, citing the Competition Act.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical and at times emotional, employing accusatory phrases such as "the problem of shady dealings," "we are deceiving the entire population of Estonia," and "a nation of hustlers." The speaker contrasts the suffering of rural inhabitants (with industry encroaching on their land) against the state's secrecy and bureaucracy, skillfully balancing this emotional appeal with concrete political proposals concerning network fees and direct contracts.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker referred to recent active fieldwork and familiarizing themselves with the local conditions, noting that "yesterday we visited the Tootsi-Sopi wind farm" and a similar site in Lavassaare. This highlights a pattern where legislative activity is supported by visiting specific problem areas.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at the state's governing machinery and planning process, which are accused of setting incorrect goals, causing chaos, and lacking transparency. The attitude towards rural residents is criticized particularly sharply; these residents are being encouraged to join an inclusive society, based on studies that portray them as poorly informed and uneducated.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker thanks the initiators of the bill under discussion, demonstrating support for the specific legislative initiative. Data is lacking regarding broader cross-party cooperation or a willingness to compromise on this issue; the focus is instead on criticizing the state's activities.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily regional, concentrating on areas within Pärnu County, such as Sopi-Tootsi and Lavassaare, as well as the Gulf of Riga areas (Häädemeeste, Kihnu). Emphasis is placed on how national energy decisions directly impact the local living environment and the operations of local governments.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker advocates for economic solutions that provide direct benefits from energy production to local communities, promoting off-exchange direct contracts within a 10 km radius. He proposes regulating grid tariffs (zero or half) and abolishing the renewable energy fee in the affected zone to encourage the relocation of businesses and support household viability.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is centered on protecting the living environment and lifestyle of rural residents, both of which have been altered by the encroachment of industry. The speaker sharply criticizes the notion that rural inhabitants are poorly educated, stressing the importance of respecting people's choice of where they live and avoiding the creation of a veil of secrecy during village meetings.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker is a strong supporter of the draft Act amending the Environmental Charges Act (615 SE), considering the subject matter highly relevant. The main legislative priority is regulating the issue concerning the publication of the impact area of renewable energy and promoting regional development by the state through legislative instruments.
1 Speeches Analyzed