Session Profile: Irja Lutsar
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
2024-01-23
Political Position
The political position is strongly evidence-based and supportive of innovation, emphasizing that Estonia’s very existence depends on decisions rooted in knowledge, not emotion. They demand stable funding for science (at least 1% of GDP) and oppose any proposals to cut from this budget. Regarding vaccines, the position is clear: supporting an approach based on the regulations of the State Agency of Medicines and the European Union, and recommending that the proposed bill be rejected.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
High authority regarding science funding systems, researcher career models, and particularly in the field of medicine and vaccines. Utilizes specific terminology (knowledge transfer, core funding, genotoxic studies, blinded studies) and relies on data from the State Agency of Medicines, the Ministry of Social Affairs, and the European Medicines Agency. Emphasizes their personal knowledge of the daily problems faced by researchers and the process of applying for grants.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style of discourse is expert, logical, and persuasive, relying heavily on facts and scientific data while cautioning against emotion-based decisions. The tone is concerned about the departure of scientists and bureaucracy but remains firm regarding the safety and utility of vaccines. It uses examples from the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy debate to illustrate the critical role of scientists.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Appears at the plenary session of the Riigikogu as the representative of the leading committee, the Social Affairs Committee, providing an overview of the bill's discussion and the committee's decision. Actively participates in the debate, answering detailed questions regarding clinical trials and the regulation of pharmaceuticals. Mentions previous discussions held in the Social Affairs Committee in 2023.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at the government concerning the instability of science funding and the excessive bureaucracy that obstructs the work of scientists. Regarding vaccines, he/she criticizes the bill's initiators (e.g., Mr. Poolamets) who disseminate claims about the criminality of pharmaceutical companies and the dangers of vaccines, refuting these assertions with scientific data.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Serves as a representative for the Steering Committee of the Social Affairs Committee and emphasizes the committee's consensus decisions (e.g., placing a draft bill on the agenda). The cooperation style is open and relies on close communication with experts from ministries and agencies (specialists from the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Agency of Medicines). They also quote colleagues and friends who are experts in infectious diseases.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It focuses heavily on the national level (the existence of the Estonian state, domestic research, students of Estonian origin) and international regulation (European Union directives, the European Medicines Agency). It stresses that Estonia does not necessarily have to be the star performer in the European Union; rather, being competent is sufficient for reducing bureaucracy.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It strongly supports national investments in science and innovation, seeing this as the guarantee for the existence of a small state. It demands the maintenance of the target level for science funding (1% of GDP) and criticizes proposals to cut funding from this allocation. It emphasizes that recognition and good working conditions are more important to scientists than salary, which will materialize regardless.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social focus is on public health and a science-based approach to medicine. It strongly defends the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, emphasizing that they were instrumental in exiting the pandemic and preventing fatalities. Furthermore, it addresses the instability of scientific careers as a social issue that discourages young people from entering the field of science.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the work of the Social Affairs Committee and its proposal to reject the bill concerning vaccine regulation. Furthermore, it highlights the necessity of reviewing the science funding system in order to restore small grants and increase core funding while simultaneously cutting down on bureaucracy.
8 Speeches Analyzed