Agenda Profile: Evelin Poolamets
Draft law amending the Act of the Chancellor of Justice and the Prosecutor's Office Act (524 SE) – first reading
2025-01-14
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is currently aimed at strengthening the transparency and accountability regarding the expenditures of high-ranking state officials (specifically the Chancellor of Justice and the Prosecutor General). By requiring mandatory documentation for representation expenses, the goal is to increase public trust and ensure the proper use of taxpayer funds. This stance is strongly value-driven, emphasizing democratic accountability and the fight against corruption. Furthermore, this political position is supported by the necessity for national budget cuts and savings.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in state finance, the tax system, and the regulation of compensation for high-ranking state officials. Specific terminology is used, such as "envelope wages" (ümbrikupalk) and "salary supplements" (palgalisa), in relation to untaxed benefits, and precise figures are referenced (20% of the official salary, 25,000 euros annually). Furthermore, they are familiar with the procedural processes of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) and the Ministry of Justice, along with the discussions held by the Constitutional Committee.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speech is formal and argumentative in tone, heavily relying on logical arguments (transparency, good governance, international standards). However, critical and emotional language is simultaneously employed to condemn the current system, calling it a "humiliating situation" and comparing the classification of information to the practices of undemocratic states. The style is direct and demanding, underscoring the necessity for immediate change.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active legislator, submitting a draft bill to the Riigikogu on behalf of the parliamentary group. He/She has participated in the meetings of the Constitutional Committee where the same topic was addressed, referencing the discussions and responses that arose there. This pattern of activity indicates a focus on legislative work and committee operations.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is directed at the opaque system of representation expenses established for high state officials (the Chancellor of Justice, the Prosecutor General), which allows for the use of taxpayer money without oversight. Specifically, the situation where expense reimbursements function as untaxed salary supplements is criticized, which is considered unfair and degrading. There is opposition to all forms of secrecy and concealment, which the speaker believes is characteristic of undemocratic states.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker acknowledged the previous cross-party consensus achieved when cutting the expense allowances for Riigikogu members and expressed hope for similar support for the current bill. He is open to further amendments and ideas concerning the oversight mechanism, suggesting the possibility of establishing an independent commission modeled after the Nordic countries. The cooperation style is pragmatic, aiming to secure support for implementing transparency standards.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly at the national level, addressing the regulations concerning the representatives of Estonia's highest state authority (the Chancellor of Justice, the Prosecutor General). The international focus is limited to emphasizing the example set by the Nordic countries in order to justify stricter transparency standards in Estonia.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker supports strict fiscal discipline and the economical use of public funds, viewing the regulation of representation expenses as a key area for savings. He/She is strongly opposed to situations where state officials receive untaxed income (supplementary pay), which conflicts with a fair tax environment and resembles "envelope wages."
9 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
9 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the amendment of the Chancellor of Justice Act and the Prosecutor's Office Act (Bill 524 SE), which introduces the obligation for the Chancellor of Justice and the Prosecutor General to substantiate representation expenses using expense documents. The speaker is the initiator and rapporteur of this bill on behalf of the EKRE parliamentary group. The aim is to grant the Riigikogu’s Special Committee on Anti-Corruption the right to establish control.
9 Speeches Analyzed