Agenda Profile: Siim Pohlak
A written request for a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Kristen Michal, submitted by 29 members of the Riigikogu.
2025-02-12
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The most crucial issue is energy policy and the soaring price of electricity, a matter on which the speaker is strongly opposed, supporting a vote of no confidence against the Prime Minister. This stance is results-oriented, criticizing the government's failure to ensure economic competitiveness and its inability to have contingency plans. The current government's energy policy is viewed as a lousy copy of the previous administration's (Kaja Kallas) policy, and it should not be continued.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in energy policy and market prices, utilizing specific data and terminology. Specific price levels are cited (e.g., 4–5 cents versus 30–50 cents per kilowatt-hour and 300–500 euros per megawatt-hour), and technical events such as desynchronization are referenced. This expertise is used to justify the decline in the economy's competitiveness.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, critical, and demanding, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the government's inaction. Direct accusations and sharp comparisons are employed (e.g., "Kaja Kallas's own poor copy" and "the plan is to make a plan") to highlight the lack of preparation. The appeal is primarily logical and fact-based, focusing on the economic damage.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
No data available.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary target is Prime Minister Kristen Michal and her government, who stand accused of inaction and failing to have contingency plans. The criticism is both policy-based and procedural, focusing on their inability to run through various scenarios and implement ready-made solutions. The intensity of this attack is high, given that it is taking place in the context of a vote of no confidence.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
No data available
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly nationwide, addressing the impact of electricity prices on the entire Estonian economy, its people, and businesses. Specific regional topics or local projects are not mentioned.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic outlooks stress the importance of a competitive business environment, where the price of electricity must remain low (4–5 cents/kWh). The speaker is advocating for the interests of businesses, warning that high energy prices (40–50 cents/kWh) will worsen the overall state of the economy and force companies to shut down.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
No data available.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary focus is monitoring the government's actions and filing a motion of no confidence against the prime minister. They are demanding swift political solutions and the implementation of contingency plans in the coming weeks, rather than the initiation of specific legislative bills.
2 Speeches Analyzed