Session Profile: Anti Poolamets
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-02-20
Political Position
The political focus is the condemnation of the deportation of Ukrainian children and the exposure of Russia’s historical methodology of empire building. The speaker strongly supports international pressure and sanctions and demands significantly more vigorous action from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and parliamentary diplomacy in combating war crimes. His/Her approach is strongly value-based, emphasizing the universal validity of international law. He/She stresses that Estonia must carry out explanatory work regarding Russia’s unvarnished history.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker positions himself as a historian, demonstrating deep expertise in the history of the Russian Empire and genocides (Circassia, Ingria). He uses historical parallels (Ottoman Janissaries, the Great Northern War) and refers to specific sources (OSCE report, Peep Varju’s book) when treating the deportation of Ukrainian children as a war crime. He also shows awareness of the contemporary situation, referencing Jaanika Merilo’s work in returning the children.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is serious, urgent, and historically charged, utilizing powerful emotional appeals that link Estonia's past with Ukraine's current situation. The speaker employs numerous historical narratives and parallels to clarify Russia's actions, and sharply criticizes the "pharisaical" interpretation of international law. He/She maintains a formal tone but utilizes powerful imagery, such as "a race against time" and "scars of violence."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker stresses the necessity of active parliamentary diplomacy, including conducting visits with delegations and clarifying key issues within the format of friendship groups in the coming months. He/She views Estonia's contribution as critically important, given the country's small diplomatic corps.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main adversary is the Russian Empire and its current regime, which is accused of perpetrating genocide and war crimes. Criticism is also directed at those countries that interpret international law hypocritically, and a direct question is posed to China regarding the validity of international legal norms.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative approach focuses on mobilizing existing structures (the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, parliamentary diplomacy, friendship groups) to increase Estonia's contribution to international advocacy and pressure. It is emphasized that this issue should concern all countries that respect international law, pointing to the need to appeal to the conscience of difficult partners (e.g., China) as well.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strongly international, centered on supporting Ukraine and exposing Russian aggression at the global level. Estonia’s role is primarily viewed as an international communicator, operating through parliamentary diplomacy. Historical references cover Estonia (the Great Northern War, deportations), Ingria, and the Caucasus (Circassia).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
While sanctions are mentioned as a tool of international pressure, there is no data available concerning the domestic economy, taxes, the budget, or trade.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is directed toward the themes of historical traumas and genocide, emphasizing the impact of deportations and the violent re-education of children. The speaker highlights the "scar of violence" within Estonian society and links these experiences to the fate of Ukrainian children, stressing the danger of the eradication of culture, language, and religion.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The immediate legislative focus is supporting the adoption of the statement currently under consideration regarding the deported Ukrainian children. Subsequent priorities include intensifying diplomatic efforts and conducting outreach on the international stage.
2 Speeches Analyzed