Agenda Profile: Aleksandr Tšaplõgin
Inquiry regarding the energy sector (no. 724)
2025-04-14
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The most crucial issue is the soaring electricity prices and energy independence. The speaker strongly opposes the current free-market model (Nord Pool) and the subsidization of green energy, deeming them uncompetitive. He advocates for reverting to nationally regulated prices and domestic oil shale power generation, stressing that the transition to the market in 2013 was a failure. The political framework is heavily results-oriented, focusing on the high costs borne by consumers and the state's failure to guarantee reasonable pricing.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a thorough understanding of how the energy market operates, citing Nord Pool's speculative transactions (89%) and Elering's role in profiting from the price spread. He/She employs specific data and technical terminology (transmission capacity, CO2 quotas, repair of power plant blocks) and proposes detailed solutions for utilizing the existing oil shale resource. Furthermore, the speaker highlights the historical context by referencing the 2013 regulatory change.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is critical, accusatory, and urgent, highlighting the paradoxical and cynical nature of the situation. The speaker relies heavily on logical arguments and statistical data (e.g., a 15-fold price difference, 89% speculation) to substantiate their claims regarding market failure. Strong terminology, such as "speculators" and "super-profits," is employed to underscore the injustice of the situation and the necessity of political will.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is aimed at the Reform Party, which is being blamed for the failed market transition in 2013 and for breaking promises. There is also sharp criticism leveled against Nord Pool speculators, who are raking in excessive profits at the expense of consumers. What is considered the most cynical is the fact that the state itself (through Elering) is profiting from the rising cost of electricity—an action that constitutes a policy- and procedure-based attack.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strongly directed towards national energy independence and the utilization of domestic infrastructure. The need for the repair of the Narva power plants and the availability of oil shale resources are especially emphasized. For comparison, Finnish prices and the transmission lines crossing the Gulf of Finland are cited, which places the topic in an international context, but the solutions remain purely domestic.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strongly advocates for state intervention and price regulation in the energy sector, opposing the speculative free market. It demands the reallocation of hundreds of millions of euros from supporting uncompetitive green energy towards the repair of the Narva power plants. The objective is to guarantee reasonable prices for consumers and restore state control over this strategic resource.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative priority is abandoning the Nord Pool rules and returning to a nationally regulated electricity price, a move that requires political will. This involves funding the repair of the Narva power plant units and finding a political solution to the problem of high taxes on CO2 quotas. The speaker is acting as the initiator, demanding radical political change.
2 Speeches Analyzed