Agenda Profile: Urmas Reinsalu
Draft law amending the Electricity Market Act (555 SE) - third reading
2025-05-07
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the draft amendment of the Electricity Market Act (555 SE), which has been labeled "insane." The primary rationale is political and legal, focusing on preventing an unpredictable and large financial burden (estimated at 200 million euros) from being imposed on consumers and producers. The Isamaa faction will vote against the bill and pledges to appeal to the President of the Republic to prevent its promulgation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates high expertise regarding energy market regulations and economic impacts, utilizing specific financial data and technical terms (e.g., cost of isolated operation, frequency reserve market). The criticism is supported by financial analysis, comparing the projected burden (200 million euros) with last year's total cost (700 million euros), and referencing the forecasts made by the head of the Employers’ Confederation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, critical, and condemnatory, utilizing strong and negative expressions ("insane draft bill," "absolute rubbish"). The appeal is primarily logical and data-driven, relying on financial analysis and constitutional arguments to underscore the legal and economic risks posed by the bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Little data is available regarding the patterns of activity, but the speech indicates active participation in the third reading of the bill. The speaker promises specific future action, appealing to the President of the Republic against the proclamation of the law.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the bill's proponents, especially the Ministry of Climate, whose arguments regarding the constitutionality of the levy are dismissed as "patently irrelevant." Criticism is intense, focusing on the political substance (the unpredictable charge) and legal uncertainty, and compromise is ruled out (they will vote against it and appeal to the President).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker refers to the faction's previous, rejected proposal concerning who should bear the cost of island operations, which indicates a prior willingness to contribute. The current stance is strictly oppositional, and there are no indications of ongoing cooperation or readiness to compromise.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely national, addressing the total cost of electricity and the unpredictable burden on Estonian consumers and producers more broadly. Specific regional industries or local problems are not emphasized.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives stress the necessity of avoiding unpredictable and substantial regulatory burdens on consumers and producers. The speaker supports stability in the business environment, citing projections from the Estonian Employers’ Confederation, and opposes an increase in electricity prices exceeding one-fifth.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Lack of data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on opposing the draft bill (555 SE) to amend the Electricity Market Act during its third reading. The speaker is a strong opponent of the bill, employing both votes and constitutional appeals to prevent the law from taking effect.
1 Speeches Analyzed