Session Profile: Anti Poolamets
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
2024-01-11
Political Position
The speaker takes a strong, values-based stand against the state's arrogance and bureaucratic harassment concerning children who, following unassisted home births, remain unregistered—effectively non-existent—in the eyes of the government. They emphasize that this is a bizarre situation that harms the most vulnerable members of society, and they sharply contrast this issue with purely ideological questions, such as the topic of same-sex families. The political focus is directed toward rectifying this social injustice and finding a legislative solution for this gray area.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a deep understanding of the legal gray areas within the social and medical sectors, particularly regarding home births and the state registration of children (specifically, the lack of a personal identification code). To back up the arguments, they use concrete, real-life examples (Marit, Katrina) and possess precise knowledge concerning the closure of regional maternity wards (Põlva, Valga, South Estonian Hospital statistics).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is highly combative, emotional, and accusatory, repeatedly employing terms like "the arrogance of the state" and "the malice of officials." The speaker relies heavily on storytelling and moral appeals (injustice toward society's weakest) to underscore the absurdity and urgency of the situation. They also use irony, criticizing the "great humanists" who ignore the problem.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was highly active during the plenary session, taking the floor multiple times and requesting additional time to thoroughly cover the topics of home birth and the closure of regional hospitals. Beyond social issues, they also participated in a debate regarding institutional protocol (specifically, the scheduling of the Ukrainian president's visit).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is primarily aimed at government officials, the Ministry of the Interior, and politicians, who are accused of arrogance, bullying, and spitefully enforcing laws in a gray area. Certain parties are also criticized for overemphasizing ideological issues (such as same-sex families) at the expense of social problems. The criticism is intense and value-based.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Information is scarce. The speaker quotes other individuals (Varro Vooglaid, Uno Trumm, Janek Mäggi) to support his views, but there is no evidence of active cooperation, the search for compromises, or the joint initiation of draft legislation.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus is placed on South Estonia and rural areas where maternity wards have been closed (Põlva, Valga, Läänemaa), forcing expectant mothers to travel dangerously long distances (up to 200 km) on slippery roads. This highlights the unequal situation faced by residents of rural areas.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Information is scarce. Economic perspectives are not apparent in the speeches; only the Health Insurance Fund is mentioned in connection with the decisions to close maternity wards.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker focuses on the social injustice related to the state recognition of children born via unassisted home birth, stressing that the government deprives them of benefits and a personal identification code. He/She sharply criticizes the state's priorities, which favor ideological issues (such as same-sex couples entering into partnerships) over securing children's fundamental rights.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is currently directed toward a draft bill that would resolve the problem of registering children born at home (the "gray zone"). The speaker is a proponent of this bill and criticizes the Riigikogu committees for repeatedly postponing the issue and effectively stalling its progress.
4 Speeches Analyzed