Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
Inquiry Regarding Plans for the Construction of a Wind Farm on Saaremaa (No. 680)
2025-02-17
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly critical of the government's energy policy and decision-making processes, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and balanced approach to energy supply. The speaker opposes taking on commitments that run into the billions before adequate calculations and a solution for the overall task are available. The stance is primarily procedural and results-oriented, focusing on the lack of transparency and parliamentary involvement. The speaker considers the construction of offshore wind farms unnecessary and unreasonable, provided a comprehensive solution is implemented.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the energy sector, detailing both technological aspects (storage solutions, nuclear energy, gas plant location) and economic costs (maintaining reserves, grid development). Specific figures are provided (e.g., 60 million euros for frequency control, 2.6 billion euros for offshore wind farms), and the necessity of balancing intermittent and dispatchable energy is underscored. Furthermore, national defense expenditures related to the protection of offshore wind farms are highlighted separately.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, analytical, and highly detailed, relying on logical arguments and an extensive enumeration of missing calculations concerning the energy component. Sharp language is employed to criticize the government's actions, describing the uncoordinated situation as "insane" and directly questioning the integrity of the ministers. The overall tone is urgent and demanding, emphasizing the irresponsibility demonstrated when making long-term decisions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in the Riigikogu (Parliamentary) inquiry process and has previously raised this topic (including directly before the Prime Minister). This indicates a consistent focus on issues related to energy policy and its coordination. This pattern of activity involves the continuous scrutiny of the government's actions and decisions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the government's narrow circle of decision-makers and procedural deficiencies, accusing them of a lack of transparency and disregarding the role of parliament. Separately, the contradiction between the statements of the Prime Minister and Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi is highlighted, raising the question of which minister is lying. Criticism is also directed at the lack of national coordination in energy planning.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is strong, bringing to light specific local issues, such as the location of the gas plant (Narva versus Paldiski), and particularly the cross-border conflict regarding wind farm planning in the Mulgi municipality, Viljandi County. Emphasis is placed on the need for assistance for local governments when planning cross-border wind farms (Lode-Penuja), given that the Estonian state's capacity to intervene or have a meaningful say is questionable.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives focus on fiscal responsibility and keeping the final price for the consumer under control. The speaker is concerned about taking on liabilities reaching billions (such as offshore wind farms and storage) and demands a comprehensive financial accounting that would also include renewable energy fees. It is emphasized that the stability and security of the energy supply are economically crucial.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on the proceedings concerning the Climate Law and the Energy Management Development Plan (EMAK), requiring the prompt submission of these drafts to Parliament and strengthening the Riigikogu's role in strategic decision-making. The speaker is critical due to the lack of these legislative drafts, given that they should form the foundation for decisions spanning decades into the future.
2 Speeches Analyzed