Agenda Profile: Urmas Reinsalu
Third reading of the draft law amending the Subsoil Act (435 SE)
2024-12-18
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government's economic and environmental policies, viewing them as destabilizing to the economic environment and hostile to business. The primary focus is on ensuring the rule of law and constitutionality, emphasizing the protection of property rights and legitimate expectation. This stance is principled and value-based, warning against the deliberate adoption of unconstitutional legislation. The Isamaa faction votes against the bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in constitutional law (referencing commissioned expert analysis, property rights, and legitimate expectation), energy policy (oil shale, Auvere investments, 2035/2040 deadlines), and European Union regulations (Green Transition ambitions, Sustainability Reporting Directive). Specific terminology is used, and reference is made to concrete financial burdens (over 30 million euros) and investments (800 million euros in Auvere). The expert analysis is utilized to refute the government's claims.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical, cautionary, and combative, using strong expressions such as "outright lie," "complete chaos," and "very dangerous precedent." It appeals to both logic (referencing legal expertise and compliance charts) and emotions, emphasizing unpredictability and uncertainty. The tone is formal but conveys an urgent appeal to the President of the Republic not to proclaim the law.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity involves active participation in parliamentary sessions and debates on draft legislation (specifically, the third reading of the Subsoil Act). The speaker references recent legislative developments, such as the green transition positions adopted last Friday and the transposition of the European directive that occurred yesterday. This demonstrates consistent involvement in crucial economic and environmental policy debates.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the government coalition and the Ministry of Climate, criticizing their policies as anti-economic and dismissive of the principles of the rule of law. The critique is both substantive (the destabilization of the economy) and procedural (the deliberate adoption of an unconstitutional law and governing based on legislation that does not exist). No willingness to compromise has been expressed; instead, the government coalition is being warned against setting a dangerous precedent.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker stresses cooperation with business organizations, citing their dissenting opinions in the coordination table and utilizing these points to counter the government's assertions. Mait Klaassen is also thanked for relaying the responses provided by the government's experts. This collaboration is extra-coalitionary and focused on supporting interest groups who oppose the bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is broad, encompassing the national economic environment, competitiveness, and the energy sector. Specifically mentioned are oil shale energy and the 800 million euro investment in the Auvere power plant, which signals concern about the future of industry in Ida-Virumaa. Also discussed is the impact of European Union level regulations on Estonian businesses.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views expressed are strongly supportive of entrepreneurship and reject regulation, labeling the government's policies as hostile to the economy and destabilizing. The speaker criticizes the imposition of new regulatory burdens (e.g., an additional cost of 30 million euros) and demands predictability in the economic environment, especially concerning fundamental energy choices.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data. The speech focuses on economic, energy, and rule of law issues.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the Draft Act on Amendments to the Earth's Crust Act (435 SE), acting as its strong opponent. Additionally, there is a demand for the termination of the Ministry of Climate's activities and a return to the concept of the Ministry of the Environment. The speaker criticizes the government's attempts to enforce a non-existent Climate Act using policy-shaping measures.
1 Speeches Analyzed