Session Profile: Anti Poolamets
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-01-27
Political Position
The speaker strongly opposes the government's policies regarding education and values, labeling the teaching of gender identity in schools as "woo-woo science" and "cultural Marxism." The stance is fiercely value-driven and combative, demanding the immediate resignation of the Minister of Education and the revocation of the teaching materials. Furthermore, the government is criticized for attempting to silence the opposition using hate speech legislation, drawing parallels to the era of Konstantin Päts.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge of specific educational materials, referencing the basic school Human Studies workbook and its author, Heli Israel, along with the concepts addressed within it (pansexuality, over 20 psychological genders). To underscore this knowledge, historical parallels are drawn regarding the suppression of science (Lysenkoism, Soviet pseudoscience), and reference is made to the results of the PISA tests.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is highly combative, emotional, and provocative, employing heavily loaded and condemnatory language ("woo-woo science," "are being brainwashed," "mutilation of children"). The speaker utilizes sarcasm (e.g., concerning the minister's title and gender) and leans heavily on historical fears and Soviet-era falsehoods to underscore the gravity of the situation. The rhetoric appeals to moral panic and demands immediate action.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the plenary session concerning the query, directing questions to the Minister of Education. It is evident from their pattern of activity that they personally reviewed the educational materials, having discovered controversial content in their child's 8th-grade textbook.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the government, specifically Minister of Education Kristina Kallas, who is accused of spreading pseudoscience and acting as a propaganda minister. More broadly, the criticism targets those spreading "cultural Marxism," followers of Herbert Marcuse’s ideas, and the Soros Foundation. The criticism is intense and personal, demanding the Minister's immediate dismissal and the dismantling of the entire system.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is directed externally, outside the Riigikogu, urging Estonian scientists, teachers, and school directors to put an end to "Lysenkoism" and restore dignity. There is absolutely no reference to cooperation with the government or other parliamentary factions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national education policy and its impact on Estonian children. The topics are also addressed in an international context, referencing the statement by the US President, the suspension of procedures in England, and the results of PISA tests. Specific regional or local topics are absent.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker adopts a strongly conservative stance, emphasizing that there are only two sexes (male and female). He fiercely opposes the teaching of gender identity (20+ psychological genders, pansexuality) in schools, labeling it the brainwashing and mutilation of children. The hate speech law is also opposed, as it is viewed as a threat to civil liberties and the opposition.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the repeal of existing policies and teaching materials. There is a demand for the issuance of a decree stating that there are only two sexes in Estonia, as well as the recall of textbooks that disseminate pseudoscience and the disbanding of the corresponding commissions. Furthermore, the hate speech law prepared by the Ministry of Justice is being opposed.
3 Speeches Analyzed