Agenda Profile: Anti Poolamets
Draft law amending the Defence Service Act (563 SE) - first reading
2025-03-19
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is on ensuring the motivation and fair compensation of military personnel, especially reservists and individual soldiers. Strong, value-based criticism is leveled against the coalition, accusing them of being cheap on soldiers while simultaneously coddling Ukrainian deserters. The speaker strongly supports a system that compensates for wages lost during service.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the Defense Forces' personnel policy and financial motivation, stressing the necessity of compensating for lost wages during reserve refresher training call-ups. The issue of low salaries for professional servicemen and the general attitude towards the Defense Forces' human resources are also addressed. Specific terminology, such as "reserve refresher training call-up" and "individual soldier," is utilized.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is predominantly confrontational and emotional, especially when criticizing the coalition. Sharp accusations (such as penny-pinching and favoritism) and moral condemnation (like "Aren't you even ashamed!" or "You should be ashamed!") are employed to highlight injustice. The first remark also includes a logical argument regarding the sensibility of compensating for lost wages.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data is limited to two interventions made during the same Riigikogu session on March 19th, both focusing on the draft Military Service Act. The speaker actively submits interventions throughout the legislative process.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong opposition is aimed at the coalition and the Ministry of Defence, who are accused of insufficiently motivating soldiers and undervaluing human resources. The criticism is intense and personal, especially regarding the issue of Ukrainian draft dodgers, where the coalition's actions are being called "coddling deserters."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no sign of willingness to cooperate; the speakers delivered sharp remarks and accusations directed at both the presenter and the other politician (Anti Allas). The style is more confrontational than compromise-seeking.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national defense and personnel policy issues, along with the international theme (Ukrainian refugees/deserters). A regional emphasis is lacking.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Increased state spending is supported for motivating defense personnel, specifically by promoting the principle of compensating them for lost wages incurred during their service. The government is simultaneously criticized for its fiscal stinginess toward soldiers, while large sums are being spent on other groups (Ukrainian men).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is strong social criticism regarding immigration, accusing the coalition of coddling adult Ukrainian men (draft dodgers) who are allegedly living off Estonian grandmothers' money. This is presented as both a moral and security issue, emphasizing that Estonia is harboring "a whole division" of deserters.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative interest is supporting the draft Act amending the National Defence Service Act (563 SE), with the goal of improving financial incentives for individual soldiers and reservists. The speaker supports the draft legislation but wishes to see an even fairer compensation system.
2 Speeches Analyzed