Agenda Profile: Urmas Reinsalu
Request for information regarding the restoration and resilience plan and the use of oil shale (no. 668)
2025-01-13
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position focuses strongly on the energy crisis, ensuring supply security, and the predictability of electricity prices, emphasizing the need for substantive and adequate action. The speaker opposes the government's sluggishness and its focus on analyses, demanding concrete and enforceable decisions, such as lifting restrictions on oil shale power plants. The position is strongly critical of the government's leadership capacity and its ideological energy policy goals (e.g., 100% renewable energy).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the energy sector, particularly concerning electricity price formation, CO2 emissions trading, and critical infrastructure (Estlink 2, Kiisa, Narva). Technical terminology and specific numerical forecasts are employed (e.g., €75 vs. €120 per megawatt), with the speaker basing their views on assessments provided by influential energy experts and business leaders. Specific emphasis is placed on the speaker's knowledge of European law (the Electricity Market Directive) regarding the issue of CO2 charges.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is serious, urgent, and confrontational, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and accusing the government of "impotent governance" and being in a "state of disarray." The speaker employs logical arguments and references data (price forecasts, legislation) but frames them as sharp criticism, accusing the government of "operating via marketing" instead of providing real leadership. Direct questions are posed to the Prime Minister, and decisions are demanded instead of mere analyses.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively exercises parliamentary oversight, participating in formal inquiries (interpellations) and reacting immediately to critical events, such as the sabotage of Estlink 2. Reference is made to recent government discussions (December 26, January 2) and committee meetings (the Budget Control Committee), demonstrating active engagement in monitoring the government's activities.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main conflict is with the government, which is being criticized for its weak leadership, indecisiveness, and organizational issues (such as Kaja Kallas’s work plan and nepotism). The Social Democrats are specifically singled out and accused of blocking decisions regarding energy matters. The criticism is intense and systemic, alleging that the government is making decisions (such as tax increases) that are exacerbating the electricity crisis.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Data is scarce.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly national, concentrating on Estonia's energy security, supply reliability, and critical infrastructure (Estlink 2, Kiisa emergency power plant). Emphasis is placed on the need to ensure investments in Narva and the operational capability of the oil shale power plants, which points to the importance of the Ida-Viru County industry in the national energy landscape.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives emphasize the necessity of ensuring a competitive electricity price and opposition to tax hikes (a 45% electricity excise tax, 2% VAT) and new charges that increase the inflationary burden. Priority is given to securing supply reliability using existing dispatchable capacities. Furthermore, the redistribution of renewable energy fees is criticized, as it places a greater burden on small consumers.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Data is scarce.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on opposing the government's energy policy and associated regulations, particularly regarding the 100% renewable energy goal and the Climate Economy Act, both of which are considered inadequate. There is a demand for the removal of existing restrictions (such as oil shale production volumes) and criticism leveled against the imposition of new taxes and charges (like the capacity reserve fee), measures that ultimately increase the burden on consumers.
4 Speeches Analyzed