Agenda Profile: Anti Poolamets
Overview of the state of Research and Development and government policy in this field.
2024-01-23
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The speaker strongly opposes the current policy regarding the massive influx of students from Arab countries, viewing it as a threat both to security and to the standing of the Estonian language in universities. This position is value-driven, emphasizing national security and language preservation, and questions how this actually contributes to science and innovation. The framing of the policy is highly critical and concerned.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker addresses security issues, citing the concern expressed by the Director General of the Security Police regarding the rapid growth of the Islamic community and associated security risks, using specific figures (from 1,500 to 10,000). Topics concerning the funding of higher education and science are also discussed, linking the influx of students to the Anglicization of the Estonian language and the questionable benefits derived from innovation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is anxious, interrogative, and at times outright pleading, employing powerful rhetorical questions to convey both confusion and strong opposition to the government's policy ("Help me!"). The speaker skillfully balances this emotional distress (the marginalization of the Estonian language) with a logical appeal (the absence of innovation benefits) in order to underscore the gravity of the situation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Insufficient data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition targets the policy that permits the mass influx of students from Arab countries, criticizing the resulting consequences for both security and language. The criticism is intense and policy-driven, linking the issue to concerns raised by the Security Police, and expressing a profound lack of understanding regarding the policy's objectives.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level (Estonian universities, the status of the Estonian language, and the concerns of the Internal Security Service) as well as the international level (students from Arab countries and their training).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker indirectly addresses the efficiency of science and innovation funding, questioning the economic benefit of the current education policy for Estonia ("What does that leave for our innovation?"). Preference is given to a policy that ensures a direct contribution to Estonian innovation, rather than merely educating citizens of other countries.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issues are immigration and language policy, with immigration being strongly framed as a security risk and a cultural threat. Concern is expressed over the rapid growth of the Islamic community and the forceful marginalization of the Estonian language in universities due to increasing Anglicization.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Insufficient data
1 Speeches Analyzed