Agenda Profile: Riina Solman
Debate on the matter of national importance, "The Future of Estonian Energy 2035," initiated by the Estonian Reform Party parliamentary group.
2024-03-07
Fifteenth Riigikogu, third sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The speaker's primary political stance is the necessity of a comprehensive and balanced energy policy that guarantees security of supply and affordability for both residents and businesses. He strongly opposes the government's plan to subsidize offshore wind farms, favoring a market economy approach over direct grants. His political framework is highly results-oriented, stressing that the lights must stay on in every home and the competitiveness of the economy must be preserved. He advocates for the development of dispatchable capacities (such as nuclear energy and value-added oil shale).
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the overall energy economy landscape, addressing both the technical aspects of supply security (such as the vulnerability of subsea cables and dispatchable capacity) and the resulting economic consequences. He employs specific terminology, including "dispatchable capacity," "storage technology," and "oil shale beneficiation" (or "value addition"). He stresses the necessity of investing in electricity grid improvements and mentions the option of installing scrubbers on oil shale boilers to ensure environmental safety.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is analytical and structured, employing logical arguments and rhetorical questions to challenge government policy (e.g., "Where does that leave the market economy?"). The tone is critical and concerned, particularly regarding the security of supply and the stagnation of the economy, yet it remains formal and focused on policy. It uses figurative language, referring to the energy sector as a "big puzzle" that must be started with the corner pieces.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in Riigikogu debates, delivering a lengthy and substantive address during the discussion of a matter of significant national importance. They also reference recent statements made by the Prime Minister and party colleagues (Kristjan Järvan), demonstrating their engagement with the current political communication.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party and the incumbent government, which are sharply criticized for violating the principles of the market economy and subsidizing offshore wind farms. The criticism is policy-based, focusing on the government's decision to cancel Elektrilevi's 100 million euro investment and the negative impact this has on the security of supply. It accuses the government of conducting an energy debate that is one-sided and centered on private interests.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker highlighted his party's (Isamaa) earlier initiatives regarding the improvement of the electricity grid while they were in the previous government. He quoted fellow party members and expressed a desire to find a comprehensive solution in the energy sector. This signals a readiness for a substantive debate, provided that the core principles—namely, security of supply and a market economy—are firmly established.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus is placed on the supply security and competitiveness of rural areas, criticizing the cancellation of investments that left rural residents without power for weeks during the winter. Emphasis is also placed on the social consequences in Ida-Virumaa associated with the rapid termination of oil shale energy production, demanding that the existing resources of the region be valued.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strongly supports the market economy and opposes state subsidies, especially the gifting of 2 billion euros to an offshore wind developer at the taxpayer's expense. It prioritizes the price of electricity, which must be competitive for businesses in order to halt the economic downturn and ensure the creation of added value. He/She emphasizes providing investment certainty to revitalize the economy.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is on the well-being and ensuring the social stability of Ida-Viru County residents, while warning against the social consequences of rapidly phasing out the oil shale energy sector. It links this issue more broadly to the prevention of anti-state defiance, simultaneously pointing to the question of voting rights.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary focus is the comprehensive reform of energy policy, stressing the necessity of investing in dispatchable capacity and upgrading the electricity grid. He/She opposes the current government's plans regarding the subsidization of offshore wind farms. Furthermore, he/she aims to prioritize supply security and affordability within the legislation.
5 Speeches Analyzed