Session Profile: Andres Metsoja
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
2024-12-11
Political Position
The speaker supports environmental objectives and waste reform but strongly insists that these must align with the principles of the rule of law and legitimate expectation. He strongly opposes the draft Subsoil Act, deeming it poor and unjust from the perspective of legal proportionality, as it shifts the costs onto the private sector and favors the state-owned company Enefit in the allocation of oil shale resources. The political framework is clearly policy- and value-driven, focusing on the quality of legislation and a level playing field for the market.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the field of environmental and resource law, addressing in detail the circular economy, producer responsibility (tire bales), and subsoil regulation. They utilize technical terminology (passive reserves, active reserves, legitimate expectation, substantive law) and cite authorities such as the Supreme Court and the Chancellor of Justice to support their arguments regarding mining permit procedures and the state administration of mineral deposits.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is analytical, formal, and highly argumentative, relying heavily on logical and legal appeals. He employs a critical tone, particularly concerning the draft Earth Crust Act, calling it a "poorly drafted bill" and raising rhetorical questions regarding legal consistency. The interaction with the minister is persistent and detailed, focusing on the proportionality of specific regulatory solutions.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active during plenary sessions, engaging in in-depth debates concerning environmental and geological resource legislation. They present both supportive views (e.g., regarding the Waste Act) and strong opposition, having submitted a motion on behalf of the parliamentary group to interrupt the reading of the draft bill. Furthermore, they participate in extended question-and-answer sessions with the minister.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is focused on the government’s draft Subsoil Act, which is criticized for violating the principles of the rule of law and unfairly treating the private sector. The criticism is both political and procedural, accusing the state of abandoning businesses to bear the costs and business risks alone, while simultaneously creating market distortions in favor of the state-owned company (Enefit) when allocating oil shale resources.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker, on behalf of the Isamaa faction, supports the Waste Act bill, demonstrating a willingness to back legislation that transposes directives. However, he remains uncompromising regarding the Earth Crust Act (or Subsurface Resources Act), having submitted a motion to suspend proceedings. He stresses the necessity of closer cooperation between the state and local governments in the management of mineral deposits and groundwater resources.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national resources—specifically oil shale and mineral deposits—but these issues are tightly interwoven with local-level impacts. Particular emphasis is placed on the negative effects of mining operations on local groundwater reserves and the resulting problem of residents' wells running dry. He/She stresses the crucial role of local government and the necessity for national coordination when planning the use of these deposits.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker supports the development of the circular economy but stresses that investments should be directed towards industrial development (factories), not merely collection infrastructure (containers). He defends the interests of the private sector, demanding legitimate expectation and predictability, and criticizes regulations that distort the market and give an advantage to the state-owned company (Enefit) in the utilization of oil shale resources.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
No data available. The talks focus on environmental, resource, and economic regulations.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is on environmental and subsoil reforms. The speaker supports the draft Waste Act, which implements a European directive, but is a strong opponent of the draft Subsoil Act, regarding which he will submit a motion to discontinue. The priority is ensuring legal certainty and increasing state responsibility in the management of mineral deposits.
7 Speeches Analyzed