Agenda Profile: Marek Reinaas
Draft law amending the Planning Act and other laws (accelerating the adoption of renewable energy) (541 SE) - second reading
2025-05-07
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political emphasis is on lowering the price of electricity for Estonian consumers, which is considered the paramount objective of the draft legislation. Support is being given to simplifying regulations and improving the efficiency of auctions in order to secure cheaper energy. Although the bill's objective is strongly supported, procedural shortcomings are acknowledged, indicating a pragmatic and results-oriented approach.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the energy sector, emphasizing the consideration of supply security and the price component, as well as the organization of tenders. Specific data and mathematical comparisons (e.g., electricity prices of €4000 vs €82) are used to support arguments regarding market impact. Furthermore, he/she holds an authoritative position in legislative procedures as the head of the Economic Affairs Committee.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is dual: in the first speech, the tone is analytical and procedural, acknowledging the imperfection of lawmaking and offering Solomonic solutions. In the second speech, the style is sharp and confrontational, utilizing mathematical arguments and numerical comparisons to discredit the opponents' positions, emphasizing logic over emotions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active as the chair of the Economic Affairs Committee, participating in the bill’s debates and making procedural decisions (such as suspending the reading). Reference was also made to engaging with market participants and members of parliament to ensure the bill is improved.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at Urmas Reinsalu and the Isamaa party, who are accused of disregarding the numbers and focusing too heavily on VAT. The opponents' positions are deemed inadequate, with critics highlighting historical electricity price peaks (€4,000) that occurred while they were in government—a powerful political attack.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style is pragmatic and compromise-oriented, particularly on procedural issues, supporting the suspension of the reading to allow for amendments to the draft bill. The substantive explanatory work of colleagues (Jaak, Mario) is acknowledged, and we remain open to proposals from market participants.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level, concentrating specifically on the Estonian electricity market, regulations, and how electricity prices affect Estonian consumers. There are no references to specific local or international issues.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views emphasize the importance of simplifying regulations for producers in order to lower electricity prices for consumers. The functioning of the market and sufficient supply (of electricity on the market) are considered crucial, as these are the main factors determining the price, rather than tax components such as VAT.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is on Draft Bill 541 SE, which aims to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy and make auction procedures simpler and more effective. The speaker is a strong supporter of the bill and is managing its proceedings in the Economic Affairs Committee, emphasizing the need to allow time for improving the draft.
2 Speeches Analyzed