Session Profile: Evelin Poolamets
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session.
2025-03-24
Political Position
The central theme is the termination of renewable energy subsidies (especially for wind power), as these are burdensome for consumers and economically unjustifiable. The speaker adopts a position of strong opposition to the current subsidy scheme, emphasizing the priority of consumer protection and national security over the green transition. The framing is heavily value-based and results-oriented, focusing on injustice, lack of transparency, and corrupt schemes. The speaker argues that the state's priorities are misaligned, favoring the profits of large investors over the security and welfare of the nation.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The presenter demonstrates thorough knowledge of the financial aspects of the energy market and subsidy schemes, citing specific data such as the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) for wind power, Nord Pool prices, and Elering disbursements (exceeding 1 billion euros). He/She uses statistics regarding the low capacity factor of wind energy (20%) and the share of subsidies (20% of revenues). Knowledge is also demonstrated concerning wind turbine planning regulations, environmental impacts (bisphenol A, deforestation), and the balance between dispatchable and intermittent capacity.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is predominantly critical, accusatory, and insistent, employing strong emotional appeals and emphasizing that the money was taken from "pensioners, families, and small entrepreneurs." The speaker levels sharp accusations regarding a lack of transparency, corruption, and a "Wild West" situation. Vivid analogies are used (supporting a hotel chain, cutting down a tree just to get a checker piece), and journalistic investigations (the Õhtuleht article) are referenced to substantiate the arguments.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was very active at the plenary session, giving an extended presentation and answering numerous questions, which demonstrates the importance of the topic to him/her. He/She referred to a recent media article (dated March 21st), which indicates active media monitoring and the use of such information in political debate.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Ministry of Climate, the Reform Party, and renewable energy developers among large corporations, who are accused of pursuing personal gain and disregarding national priorities. Criticism is strongly directed at the lack of transparency in the subsidy schemes and illegal activities (companies operating without a license). The speaker accuses the government of caring not about the Estonian people or the state, but about their "buddies," hinting at corruption.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker supports the bill that would terminate subsidy payments and is open to extending this measure to solar energy producers as well. He expresses confidence in scientists and professors (for instance, regarding the issue of oil shale energy) and is prepared to discuss questions raised by other colleagues. There are no indications of formal cross-party cooperation or efforts to seek compromises with the opposing side.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level (Estonian electricity consumers, security), but regional examples are highlighted. The development and modernization of Ida-Virumaa's oil shale energy sector are defended as Estonia's age-old wealth. Furthermore, an example is provided regarding the negative impact of the wind farms surrounding Tudu village in Lääne-Virumaa on local residents.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker advocates for a market-based energy market where profitable projects (such as wind energy) operate without state subsidies. He strongly opposes the current subsidy scheme, calling it "a direct redistribution of wealth from the poor to the rich." There is a demand for public funds to be directed where the market fails (R&D, local solutions) and for the development of dispatchable and measurable capacity (oil shale, nuclear energy).
18 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker considers solving the birth rate problem to be as important as the economy and national security. He sharply criticizes the instillation of "climate panic" in young people, calling it the implementation of a malicious agenda. Furthermore, he expresses traditional social views, rejecting modern gender theories ("20 genders is a fiction").
18 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative priority is a bill aimed at ending the rampant payment of renewable energy subsidies to wind energy producers. The speaker is the initiator and a strong proponent of this bill, stressing the need to establish a fair and transparent playing field where subsidies are granted only to those who genuinely require them.
18 Speeches Analyzed