Agenda Profile: Evelin Poolamets
Draft resolution "Establishment of a working group to address the population crisis" (324 OE) – first reading
2024-10-09
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fourth Session, Plenary Session.
Political Position
The most crucial issue is the deepening demographic crisis and the preservation of the Estonian nation, language, and culture for generations to come. The political stance is strongly supportive of establishing a special committee tasked with resolving the demographic crisis, while simultaneously being sharply critical of the current government's inaction and the reduction of family benefits. The political framework is robustly value-based (national sustainability) and results-oriented (the government's failure to resolve the crisis).
11 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates high expertise in the field of demography and population statistics. Specific data and forecasts are utilized (e.g., the population in 2085 at 1.18 million, the fertility rate dropping to 1.31), and reference is made to the positions of leading analysts at Statistics Estonia. A detailed analysis is presented regarding the causes of the decline in the birth rate and the long-term negative impact of immigration on the population's age and ethnic composition.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone of the speech is serious and urgent, emphasizing the depth of the crisis and the historical low point it represents. Both logical arguments (statistical data, forecasts) and emotional appeals (the sustainability of the nation) are used. The style is at times sharp and combative, particularly when criticizing the government's actions and accusing them of fostering a negative attitude toward having children.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active presenter and advocate for the legislative initiative (the draft resolution concerning the formation of an ad hoc committee). The pattern of activity centers on introducing the draft resolution, providing a detailed explanation of its objectives, and responding to questions during the Riigikogu session.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the current government and the Reform Party. The criticism is both policy-driven (cuts to family benefits and hobby education, increasing immigration quotas) and value-driven (the government lacks interest in children's welfare and has a negative attitude towards having children). The intensity of the attacks is high, even referencing the Reform Party's honorary chairman’s previous statements regarding the respect of women.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Although the draft legislation provides for cooperation, involving committee members from every parliamentary faction, the speaker expresses pessimism regarding securing the support of the ruling coalition. Plans are underway to involve interest groups and experts related to population policy in the committee’s work.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily at the national level, treating Estonia's demographic crisis as a whole. However, the regional aspect is emphasized, noting that the birth rate is higher in rural areas. The commission's work should therefore address improving the accessibility of services in these rural areas so that young families are able to settle down there.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker strongly advocates for state subsidies and measures aimed at increasing the birth rate, citing the positive impact of the third-child benefit as a key example. The government is criticized for its short-sighted economic policy, which prioritizes acquiring a "ready product" (a worker) through immigration over making a long-term investment in raising its own population.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is demographics and the sustainability of the nation. Emphasis is placed on the need to support families and foster a positive attitude toward children, noting that raising children requires the involvement of the entire community. Immigration is viewed as a negative social factor that exacerbates population aging and alters the ethnic composition, leading to a decline in the proportion of Estonians.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the adoption of the Riigikogu draft resolution concerning the establishment of the Ad Hoc Committee on Solving the Population Crisis. The committee's tasks include analyzing population policy, formulating opinions on draft legislation, and making proposals for supplementing national policies regarding demographic issues.
11 Speeches Analyzed