Agenda Profile: Siim Pohlak

First reading of the draft resolution "Establishment of a Riigikogu investigative committee to examine the security of the Riigikogu e-election process" (576 OE)

2025-04-21

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session

Political Position
The most crucial topic is the inherent danger of e-elections, which is being addressed as both a direct and indirect security threat. The speaker is highly critical of the e-voting system and demands its immediate abolition, citing eroded public trust and international practice. The political framework is heavily centered on security and values, focusing on the restoration of trust and transparency. A swift political decision regarding the work of the investigative committee is favored.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise on the security and reliability of e-voting, highlighting issues concerning verifiability, transparency, and observation. Security-related terminology is used ("security threat," "hostile state"), and reference is made to a specific incident (the Märt Põdra case) and the practices of other developed nations. It is stressed that these are "clearly established facts."

1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is urgent and concerned, emphasizing the need for the rapid elimination of e-voting as a security threat. Both logical arguments are employed (other countries abandoning the system, a decline in public trust) as well as an emotional appeal concerning national security. The speaker uses rhetorical questions to stress that immediate action, rather than investigation, is required.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participated in the first reading of Riigikogu Draft Act 576 OE (Formation of an Investigative Committee) on April 21, 2025. Information regarding the frequency of regular appearances or other public activities is unavailable.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at those who maintain and support the e-voting system, criticizing them for ignoring the security threat. The criticism is intense and political, calling into question the necessity of forming an investigative committee when the solution should clearly be the termination of the system. Opponents are accused of continually upholding the security risk.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
No data available

1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on Estonia's national security issues, particularly concerning e-voting and the potential for interference by a hostile state. The situation is also analyzed within a broader international context, referencing other developed countries that have abandoned e-voting.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
No data available.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is public trust in elections and democratic processes, which, in the speaker's estimation, is at a record low due to e-voting. This lack of trust is linked to the system's lack of transparency and verifiability.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker is critical of the bill (576 OE) concerning the formation of the Riigikogu investigative committee, as they deem it too slow and an insufficient solution. The legislative focus must be on the rapid termination of the e-voting system to eliminate the security threat.

1 Speeches Analyzed