Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
A written request from 21 members of the Riigikogu expressing a vote of no confidence in Climate Minister Yoko Alender.
2025-02-27
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance is strongly critical of the Climate Minister’s actions regarding the development of offshore wind parks, focusing specifically on procedural deficiencies and a lack of transparency. Key concerns include the ambiguity surrounding the utilization of analysis platforms and auditing firms, as well as the abrupt halting of projects after they had been given the full go-ahead. The focus is on the efficacy and accountability of the government’s actions, demanding clarification regarding both the assessment of environmental impacts and the calculation of associated costs.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge of both the regulatory and technical sides of energy projects, referencing the state aid permit application, electricity price modeling forms, and construction materials (concrete, plastic). Specific results from environmental impact assessments are highlighted separately, particularly the study conducted by University of Tartu scientists concerning the survival rate of fish shoals. Furthermore, expertise regarding the security risks associated with subsea infrastructure, such as cable severing and sabotage, is brought to the fore.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, direct, and intensely interrogative, presenting the minister with several pointed and detailed questions. Logical appeals are employed, and clarification of facts is demanded, highlighting contradictions between the minister's past and current terminology (e.g., the definition of Aurora). The tone is critical and skeptical, with the aim of forcing the opposing party to specify procedural and financial details.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The patterns of activity are limited to detailed questions presented to the minister during the Riigikogu session, which are related to the procedure for filing a motion of no confidence. The questions are thorough and focus on specific political decisions and their consequences. There is insufficient data regarding frequency, travel, or other communication patterns.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary confrontation is aimed at the Climate Minister and the processes under their leadership, particularly the lack of transparency and uncertainty surrounding the establishment of offshore wind farms. The criticism is heavily procedural and political, highlighting discrepancies regarding data sources (Aurora) and the management of the process (the unexpected halting). The opposition is intense because it is taking place in the context of a motion of no confidence.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national energy policy and major projects, but specific regional impacts on the activities of coastal fishermen and the migration of fish shoals are also highlighted. Emphasis is placed on whether massive construction activity will disrupt the work of coastal fishermen and the sustainability of the fishing industry.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives focus on the transparent accounting of energy project costs and risk mitigation. Particular emphasis is placed on the need to incorporate the financial cost of underwater sabotage, cable destruction, repair, and surveillance into the price of energy, demanding clarity on who will ultimately bear these costs.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the oversight and accountability of the executive branch, especially concerning the processing of state aid applications and projects with significant environmental impact. Priority is given to the legal compliance and transparency of these processes, as well as the consideration of Environmental Impact Assessment results in the decision-making process.
2 Speeches Analyzed