Session Profile: Züleyxa Izmailova
15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session
2025-06-02
Political Position
The political focus is heavily concentrated on the failures of the legal system and the state’s moral shortcomings in protecting vulnerable individuals, particularly in the context of the Pihlakodu case. A strong, value-based demand for accountability and justice is being put forward, coupled with sharp criticism of the inaction shown by the Prosecutor’s Office and the Minister of Justice. A secondary demand requires the government to take responsibility for implementing coalition agreements and strategic decisions (specifically, the consolidation of the hospital network). The overall stance is strongly oppositional and highly critical of the system.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed awareness of the handling of the Pihlakodu criminal case, including the prosecution’s positions regarding the alleged absence of damage and the question of corporate liability. Furthermore, they possess knowledge of government strategic documents, such as the development directions for the hospital network, and the coalition agreement’s commitments concerning the professional qualification of youth workers. Technical language is employed, such as "disciplinary or internal control measures" and "independent supervisory procedure."
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly passionate, accusatory, and urgent, emphasizing moral responsibility and matters of conscience. Strong emotional appeals and sharp criticism are employed (e.g., calling the situation a "total disaster" and the care home a "house of horrors"). Although the address is formally directed to the minister, the tone is predominantly confrontational and demanding, rather than conciliatory.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity demonstrates systematic parliamentary oversight, evidenced by the submission of an interpellation with the Social Democrats on April 14 and the subsequent active presentation of follow-up questions during the plenary session on June 2. This indicates a structured approach to holding the government accountable. The speaker is an active questioner and initiator during Riigikogu sessions.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary targets of criticism are Minister of Justice Liisa-Ly Pakosta and the Prosecutor's Office, who stand accused of systemic failure, betraying vulnerable individuals, and evading accountability. The criticism is intense, targeting both the mindset of the relevant authorities and specific instances of inaction, particularly the Minister's failure to propose solutions. The government is also being criticized for abandoning strategic objectives (the consolidation of the hospital network).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is evident through intra-party initiatives, as the interpellation was submitted jointly with the Social Democrats. There is no evidence of cooperation or willingness to compromise with other factions or the government, given that the focus of the discourse is on sharp oppositional scrutiny. Cooperation is emphasized primarily in the defense of shared values ("We, as Social Democrats, consider it highly important...").
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national systemic problems (rule of law, social welfare) and the moral questions related to the Pihlakodu case. Regionally, the issue of consolidating the Tallinn hospital network is mentioned, which concerns the strategic management of the capital city's healthcare.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic critique is implicit, criticizing Pihlakodu for avoiding responsibility as an institution that "earns millions in profit." This points to the concern that profit-making care facilities fail to meet their basic duty of care or ensure safety, while completely washing their hands of any responsibility.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus of social issues centers on protecting the rights and human dignity of vulnerable individuals (the elderly with dementia, victims of rape). It is emphasized that Estonia's value system must not compromise simply because a victim is silent or ill, and systemic changes are demanded to ensure better protection for those who have suffered. Additionally, the issue of youth workers' qualifications is addressed.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is aimed at the better protection of victims' rights and increasing the accountability of care homes, requiring amendments that would prevent errors stemming from prosecutors' value judgments. Specific political topics include making professional certification mandatory for youth workers and implementing the development guidelines for the hospital network approved by the government.
7 Speeches Analyzed