Session Profile: Jaak Valge
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
2025-02-17
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government's plan to establish a gigantic offshore wind farm off the west coast of Saaremaa, which is considered a threat to national interests and Estonia’s pristine nature. The speaker declares unwavering support for Estonia’s clean environment but opposes a campaign-driven green transition that does not align with national interests. This position is value-based, emphasizing the necessity of protecting human health and the living environment, and is critical of the government’s shaky forecasting and purely formal consultation process.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker exhibits deep technical knowledge concerning the parameters and global benchmarks of offshore wind farms, even correcting the figures cited in the inquiry (specifying 7000 MW as nominal capacity, not total capacity). They utilize specific data regarding turbine height (up to 350 m) and coastal distance (11 km), and draw comparisons between the project and the Baltic Eagle and Hornsea 1 and 2 wind farms. Furthermore, they point out discrepancies in electricity consumption forecasts provided by various agencies (the Ministry of Climate, EISA, Elering), thereby demonstrating unreliable forecasting practices.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical, combative, and concerned, accusing the government of abandoning parliamentarism and allowing inclusion to turn into a "façade of democracy." The speaker uses both detailed technical data and strong emotional appeals, warning that Estonia should not be a laboratory and Estonians should not be test subjects. The speech is formal, repeatedly addressing "Estonian men, Estonian women" to emphasize the national interest.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity focuses on submitting interpellations and questioning the minister during the plenary session, emphasizing action within the framework of cooperation between the legislative and executive powers. The speaker actively monitors public events, noting that representatives of the opposition have no right to speak at tomorrow’s high-profile energy conference.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the government and the coalition, which are intensely criticized for both their policies (shaky forecasts, unclear export agreements) and their procedures (token consultation, the automatic voting of the Riigikogu majority). Criticism is also directed at foreign investors (Norwegian, Dutch, Anglo-French), whose profits are prioritized over local interests. The speaker believes that the government fears its own people and that parliamentarism has ceased to function.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style is confrontational towards the government, even though the speaker mentions the necessity of collaboration between the legislative and executive branches when answering the query. He actively relies on and references the analyses and demands of local citizen initiatives (such as Saare Rannarahva Selts), recommending their website.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily regional, concentrating on the west coast of Saaremaa and protecting the living environment of its residents from the negative impacts of the massive wind industry. Also mentioned are the sustainability of small ports and the route of the fourth Estonia–Latvia electricity connection, which crosses Saaremaa and is linked to export plans.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are skeptical regarding the profitability of the planned project for Estonia, given that the majority of the output and profit will move out of the country, while the state is contributing massive subsidies (2.6 billion euros). Uncertainty is highlighted in forecasting electricity demand, and the question is raised whether the government is confident that electricity can be exported at a price higher than the cost price.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues raised, particular emphasis is placed on protecting the living environment and health of local residents (the islanders), citing the spread of infrasound, vibration, and microclimate changes up to 50–90 kilometers away. The speaker defends the traditional way of life and historical continuity of Saaremaa’s west coast, prioritizing these values above the cost implications associated with relocating the industrial park further afield.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on challenging the implementation of the national special plan for the offshore wind farm, demanding the fulfillment of Section 31 of the Planning Act concerning the inclusion of interested parties and non-governmental environmental organizations. The speaker suggests organizing a referendum instead of inclusion to avoid a façade of democracy.
5 Speeches Analyzed