Session Profile: Siim Pohlak
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
2024-03-20
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional, focusing primarily on abolishing the Riigikogu’s expense allowances and addressing the credibility of e-voting. The abolition of these allowances is strongly supported, citing the need for fairness and improving Parliament’s reputation. The government’s economic policy is criticized as incompetent, having led the country into Europe’s deepest economic crisis.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the Law on the Status of Members of the Riigikogu and its financial impact, specifically citing a savings amount of 1.4 million euros and the consequences of upcoming pay raises. They are also well-versed in the technical and trustworthiness issues of e-voting, referencing Western media articles concerning Russia's online ballot system. Furthermore, the speaker is knowledgeable about parliamentary procedural nuances, especially regarding the progress and stalling of draft legislation in committees.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is predominantly combative and critical, employing sharp metaphors (e.g., "doping" regarding expense reimbursements) and personal anecdotes (Keldo's taxi ride). The appeals are a blend of logical arguments (financial savings, reduction of bureaucracy) and emotional pressure (the question of fairness, the economic crisis). Direct challenges are also issued to the coalition, urging them to lead by example.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The course of action involves active participation in plenary discussions, repeatedly raising questions regarding e-elections, and presenting a draft bill aimed at abolishing the expense allowances for the Riigikogu. The speaker remains persistent, criticizing the bill's two-month delay within the Constitutional Committee and demanding its rapid progression.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the governing coalition (the Reform Party, the Social Democrats, and Eesti 200) and the chairman of the Constitutional Committee. The criticism is directed both at the incompetent economic policy, which harms social groups, and at the obstruction of the bill’s proceedings. Opponents are being accused of personal attacks, "mudslinging," and using "doping" (in the form of expense reimbursements), which demonstrates the high intensity of these attacks.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is conditional: the speaker urges that the bill be forwarded and promises to discuss alternative solutions (e.g., faction budgets) in order to find consensus. However, cooperation remains conditional, demanding that the coalition not "mindlessly vote down" the bill and instead engage in a substantive discussion. He emphasizes that the current system is problematic and needs improvement.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is on the development and support of rural areas. It is stressed that the funds saved by eliminating expense allowances should be directed to rural areas—for instance, to maintain 25 small rural schools—in direct contrast to the government’s decision to close schools.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views are fiscally disciplined, demanding that Members of Parliament tighten their belts and eliminate expense allowances. The government's policy is criticized for implementing cuts that affect groups at risk of poverty (such as pensioners and large families) while simultaneously granting pay raises to high-income earners. Furthermore, it supports reducing bureaucracy and refraining from imposing additional burdens on businesses.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Regarding social issues, emphasis is placed on justice and the protection of societal groups at risk of poverty (large families, pensioners), whom the government has harmed through cuts. He/She also indirectly refers to social justice, wishing that the MPs would feel the impact of the car tax firsthand.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the repeal of Section 30 of the Riigikogu Member Status Act, which would abolish expense allowances. The speaker is the initiator and a strong supporter of this draft bill. The second important topic focuses on the reliability of e-elections, where he acts as a critical questioner.
17 Speeches Analyzed