Agenda Profile: Andres Metsoja
Draft law (667 SE) for amending the Atmosphere Protection Act and other laws (partial transposition of amendments to the directive on greenhouse gas emissions trading system) – first reading
2025-06-18
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is firmly against the draft bill, leading the Isamaa faction to propose its rejection. The primary concerns revolve around the retroactive expansion of the legal framework, a decline in the competitiveness of the maritime sector, and rising consumer prices. The argument is clearly framed around political and economic impacts, stressing that "the math simply hasn't added up."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the specifics of the maritime sector and the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading System (ETS), particularly concerning the objective of establishing the registry and the enforcement of fees. Technical terms are used, such as ship retrofitting, biofuels, all-electric power, and hydrogen, referencing specific financial amounts (over 20 million) and the absence of solutions on the market.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and concerned, focusing on logical and economic arguments, such as the passing of costs onto the consumer. Strong expressions are used, such as "a truly insane bill" and "a society of learned helplessness," to emphasize the negative impact of the government's policy. Direct questions are also posed to the minister, as well as rhetorical questions regarding purchasing power.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The patterns of activity demonstrate active involvement in the legislative process, specifically evidenced by the raising of questions during the Environment Committee session and awareness of the repeated meetings that took place between the ministry and the maritime sector. This suggests thorough preparatory work and effective communication with stakeholders.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the ministry that introduced the draft legislation and the government, criticizing them mainly for procedural errors (retroactive enforcement) and insufficient economic analysis. Criticism is also leveled at the broader government support policy, which fosters a "society of learned helplessness" and weakens the economic model.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative approach demonstrates a reluctance to compromise when the final outcome is financially detrimental, despite acknowledging the ministry's efforts to improve the draft bill following meetings with businesses. It is noted that the maritime sector was compelled to accept the "lesser evil" option, but a satisfactory agreement was ultimately not reached.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly aimed at the Estonian maritime sector and maritime transport, highlighting its competitiveness and economic standing. There is also mention of the potential need to support companies like Tallink, for example, which points to specific domestic enterprises.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic outlook is based on free-market principles, stressing that costs are inevitably passed on to the consumer ("out of the consumers' pockets"), and advocating for the competitiveness of maritime businesses. Fiscal discipline is favored, and the government's tendency toward endless subsidization is criticized, as it undermines the entire economic model.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is centered on opposing Draft Bill 667 SE, which seeks to amend the Atmospheric Air Protection Act concerning the transposition of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading System. The speaker is against both the initiation and support of the bill, proposing its rejection in order to make a "fresh attempt" at finding a better solution.
2 Speeches Analyzed