Agenda Profile: Evelin Poolamets
Interpellation concerning the restoration of bogs (No. 625)
2024-09-09
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position centers on strong opposition to the policy of peatland restoration, particularly its connection to European Union objectives and its high cost. It is stressed that, given the deteriorating security and economic situation, resources should be allocated to more pressing areas, thereby calling into question the priorities of the green transition. Criticism is aimed both at the substance of the policy (the destruction of productive land) and the lack of transparency in its execution (unawareness regarding costs and impact).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in environmental and land-use policy, utilizing specific terminology such as LULUCF, Natura 2000, and strict nature reserves. Concrete financial data (over 40 million euros spent) and technical arguments regarding the impact of bog restoration on the carbon balance and forest decay are presented. This expertise is supported by detailed knowledge of the history and processes of bog drainage.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical and at times emotional, employing loaded language such as "green zealots," "the glass beads of EU subsidies," and drawing comparisons to "all-Union five-year plans." The logical arguments focus on costs and the lack of data, but these are bolstered by a detailed and horrifying description of a local example (the "ghastly mire" of Tudusoo). The overall tone is accusatory and skeptical regarding the ministry's responses.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity is restricted to submitting a formal inquiry and the subsequent clarifying questions, which indicates an active role in holding ministers accountable within parliament. The pattern involves challenging the ministry's responses using specific, on-the-ground examples.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary adversaries are the Ministry of Climate and the proponents of the green transition, who stand accused of destroying productive land and blindly pursuing the goals set by the European Union. The criticism is intense and focuses on the policy's ineffectiveness, the lack of supporting data, and the undoing of the work achieved by previous generations.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is visible when submitting the interpellation with colleagues ("We submitted an interpellation to the Climate Minister"), which points to cooperation within the faction. However, there are no references to seeking compromises with non-governmental or inter-party groups, as the entire focus is placed on opposing the government's policy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
While national and international environmental policy is examined, the focus is placed on a specific regional example: the Tudusoo Nature Reserve, which is located in the speaker's home region. This local example (the ruthless clear-cutting of the pine forest) serves as key evidence of the failure of national policy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints stress the need to use state resources in priority areas instead of for bog restoration, criticizing the sums spent (over 40 million euros) as sheer waste. Productive land (drained forest land, agricultural land) and the labor of previous generations are highly valued.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on opposing the implementation of the European Union's draft Nature Restoration Regulation in Estonia, irrespective of its potential rejection at the EU level. The speaker demands accountability regarding the impact of peatland restoration on achieving LULUCF targets and criticizes the ministry for its lack of expertise.
3 Speeches Analyzed