Agenda Profile: Evelin Poolamets
Draft law amending the Electricity Market Act (568 SE) - First Reading
2025-03-24
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session.
Political Position
The political focus is the immediate termination of renewable energy subsidies (especially wind power), as they are inefficient, non-transparent, and place a heavy burden on consumers. The speaker prioritizes national security and consumer protection, strongly opposing the current unregulated green transition agenda. This is a strongly value-driven and consumer-protective position, accusing the government of having misplaced priorities.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in energy market economics, highlighting specific cost and market price data (e.g., wind energy cost 30€/MWh, market price 50–60€/MWh) and the low capacity factor (20%) of renewable energy. He/She cites the conclusions of the Competition Authority and journalistic investigations (Õhtuleht) regarding the lack of transparency in support schemes. He/She also has knowledge of the environmental impacts of wind turbines (bisphenol A, landfilling) and the high cost of grid development.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is sharply critical, employing strong moral and emotional appeals (such as the injustice faced by pensioners, or the movement of money from the poorer to the richer). The argumentation blends data (costs, efficiency) with colorful rhetoric that hints at corruption and opacity ("shady schemes," "the wild west"). Comparisons and analogies are utilized to illustrate the situation (for instance, supporting a hotel chain, or the black box of e-voting).
18 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was very active during the first reading of this bill (2025-03-24), giving a long introductory speech and actively answering 12 questions, which points to thorough preparation and a desire to dominate the debate. He/She referenced his/her participation in the committee's work and the reading of journalistic articles.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Ministry of Climate, the Reform Party, and large renewable energy producers ("business giants"). The criticism is intense, accusing the opponents of a lack of transparency, corrupt schemes, and disregarding both state security and the interests of the people. The government is accused of favoring "their own cronies" and boosting the Chinese economy.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker shows openness to colleagues' questions and often agrees with their critical observations, confirming their validity ("That's a very good point," "I am one hundred percent in agreement with you"). There are no references to cross-party cooperation or seeking compromises with the government.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national energy policy and the burden placed on consumers, though specific regional examples are provided. Emphasis is placed on the importance and modernity of the oil shale energy sector in Ida-Virumaa, and reference is also made to the issues faced by Tudu village in Lääne-Virumaa regarding the placement of wind turbines.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports strict fiscal discipline and consumer protection, demanding that state funds be directed where the market fails (e.g., R&D). It opposes the renewable energy fee as a redistribution of money from the poor to the rich, and emphasizes the importance of cheap electricity (oil shale) for economic development. It criticizes state intervention in supporting profitable business projects.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It addresses social justice concerning the impact of the renewable energy fee on lower-income families and pensioners. Furthermore, it criticizes the instillation of "climate anxiety" in youth, viewing it as the execution of a malicious agenda, and stresses the importance of solving the birth rate problem for the future of the nation.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative goal is to support Bill 568 SE, which terminates the payment of uncontrolled renewable energy subsidies to wind power producers. He/She also sees the need to extend the bill's scope to solar energy and establish stricter regulations and standards for the wind energy sector (e.g., regarding location and operating permits).
18 Speeches Analyzed