Session Profile: Züleyxa Izmailova
15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
2025-05-19
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional, focusing on criticizing the actions of the government (Michal’s cabinet, Reform Party) regarding the weakening of forestry and democracy. A value-based approach is emphasized, where the strength of the state depends on preserving nature and public trust, rather than prioritizing narrow business interests. The speaker vigorously opposes the decision to log 70% of all forest land and criticizes the lack of inclusion in decision-making processes.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in environmental and energy policy, detailing logging rates, carbon sequestration, and nuclear energy development strategies. Specific data is utilized, including the findings of the Government Office’s public opinion monitoring survey and profit/income tax statistics for the forestry sector. Furthermore, the speaker exhibits knowledge concerning the obstacles encountered during the planning and permitting processes for wind farms.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is predominantly combative, urgent, and emotional, particularly when criticizing the government’s actions, utilizing metaphors (such as 'cutting through the roots') and strong imagery ('dead landscape,' 'shattered homes'). Emotional appeals are blended with an analytical framework, citing experts (Mati Sepp, Arno Lauk) and numerical facts. The discourse is formal, yet it directly addresses "Head Eesti inimesed" (Good people of Estonia).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the plenary session, posing several questions to ministers regarding energy policy and inclusion, and delivering a long and substantive debate speech. This pattern demonstrates engagement with both detailed policy issues (planning/schemes) and broad government criticism.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary adversary is the Reform Party and Michal’s government, who stand accused of eroding democracy and making non-transparent decisions. The criticism is intense and accusatory, claiming that the government serves the interests of narrow business circles (party funders) at the expense of the entire society. The opposition targets both specific policies (logging) and procedures (lack of public involvement, and the reduction of democracy under the guise of cutting bureaucracy).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation with other political parties was not mentioned. The speaker refers to support from experts and the wider public (environmentalists, local communities) who share concerns regarding the government's actions. The collapse of the previous ruling coalition is explained by the Social Democratic Party's opposition to surrendering democracy to the economic elite.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is national (the Estonian forest, the Estonian state), but examples from Saaremaa and Ida-Virumaa are cited to illustrate the environmental damage. The need to assist local governments with processes related to planning and permitting is also emphasized.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are critical of the government, which favors unsustainable business models and a narrow economic elite under the slogan of a "thinner state." It is emphasized that short-term profits (fatter profits) will not result in a stronger Estonia. Criticism is directed at the forestry industry's low income tax contribution, particularly concerning foreign parent companies, and the value of nature as capital that actively sequesters carbon is highlighted.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus is on social cohesion and security, stressing that the government’s actions have driven public trust and the sense of belonging to their lowest levels. Concern is expressed over the rise of radicalism and hopelessness, and it is noted that those suffering include teachers, rescuers, mothers, and young people.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on demanding greater transparency and faster implementation of existing development and planning processes (specifically nuclear energy and wind farms). There is strong opposition to the government’s logging plan, highlighting the necessity of strengthening environmental laws and restoring the oversight functions of democratic institutions.
4 Speeches Analyzed