Agenda Profile: Evelin Poolamets
Chair implementation
2025-09-04
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
Political Position
The speaker adopts a strongly oppositional stance, criticizing the Reform Party-led government for the destruction of the economy and the population (using the dramatic phrase, "not a stone would be left standing in Estonia"). Their main political priorities include fiscal conservatism (lowering income tax to 20%), resolving the demographic crisis, and protecting national identity (specifically opposing voting rights for stateless persons). Their views are heavily rooted in values (advocating for less state intervention) and are results-oriented (evidenced by the criticism directed at ministerial inaction).
9 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed expertise in the field of environmental and energy policy, utilizing technical terminology and data. Specific figures are presented concerning the costs of bog restoration (exceeding 40 million euros) and corresponding European Union funding. Data is also provided on the total capacity of wind energy developments (6,300 megawatts) and the deficiencies in current regulations, specifically regarding infrasound and cumulative impacts. Furthermore, the necessity for systematic scientific analysis in addressing the demographic crisis is highlighted.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The overall tone is formal, yet simultaneously critical and occasionally sharp, particularly when assessing the government's actions. The discourse employs both logical arguments (such as the maturity of the market economy in the wind energy sector and the economic benefits of income tax reduction) and emotional appeals (the central issue of national persistence, the denigration of female parliamentarians). The speaker primarily conveys their views through questions and legislative drafts, lending the style a procedural and highly detailed nature.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is very active in parliament, consistently using interpellations (at least six times during the analyzed period) directed at various ministers (the Ministers of Climate, Social Protection, Interior, Energy, and Regional Affairs). In addition to the interpellations, two draft laws have also been submitted (the Electricity Market Act and the Income Tax Act), which demonstrates an active role in initiating legislation.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the government led by the Reform Party and its ministers, who are criticized both for their policies (such as the abolition of subsidies and tax hikes) and their behavior (including an arrogant attitude toward female MPs). The criticism is intense, accusing the government of jeopardizing the country's sustainability (specifically citing demography and small-scale beekeepers). The conduct of ministers Jürgen Ligi and Kristen Michal is singled out for specific mention.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation is clearly intra-party, as interpellations and draft legislation are submitted on behalf of members of the Estonian Conservative People's Party. For instance, Evelin Poolamets, Helle-Moonika Helme, and Arvo Aller have also signed the interpellation concerning population policy. There is no evidence of openness to compromise or cross-party cooperation.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Although the focus is predominantly national (tax policy, demography), regional examples are used when discussing environmental topics. The interpellation concerning bog restoration specifically names bogs in Pärnumaa (Kikepera, Tolkuse, Nigula), Virumaa (Sirtsi, Puhatu), Valgamaa (Rubina), and Raplamaa (Visja).
9 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is a strong proponent of reducing the tax burden, specifically proposing to cut the personal income tax rate down to 20% in order to boost purchasing power and incentivize investment. They oppose the continuation of state subsidies for mature and profitable sectors (such as wind energy), yet they criticize the elimination of support for small beekeepers. The overall stance is geared toward economic growth and minimizing government intervention.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The most crucial social issue is the demographic crisis and population sustainability, which is viewed as central to the nation’s continued existence. Furthermore, strong opposition has been voiced against the proposed constitutional amendment that would grant voting rights to non-citizens in local elections. The issue of the dignity of female parliamentarians in the legislature is also being raised.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker's legislative focus is centered on amending tax policy (specifically, lowering income tax) and energy policy (terminating renewable energy subsidies for wind power producers). He acts as a key proponent, introducing bills and utilizing parliamentary inquiries to highlight deficiencies in the legal framework (for instance, regarding the environmental impact assessment of wind farms).
9 Speeches Analyzed