Agenda Profile: Evelin Poolamets
Draft law amending the Holiday and Commemoration Day Act (453 SE) – first reading
2024-11-11
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly focused on increasing the welfare and leisure time of working people, supporting a draft law that would add new national holidays and compensate for holidays that fall on a weekend. This stance is primarily value-based, emphasizing time spent with family, respect for cultural heritage, and the life philosophy of "working to live." The speaker expresses concern regarding excessive workload and the inadequate analysis of tax policy.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the average working week length in the European Union (37.5 hours) and the corresponding figures for Estonia. He also references the holiday arrangements in other European countries, such as Finland, Sweden, Germany, Malta, and Portugal. He uses citations of studies to support the argument concerning the positive effect of additional days off on both motivation and the economy. Regarding the economic impact analysis, he admits his limited expertise, deferring this matter to the Ministry of Finance.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is persuasive and supportive, utilizing a mix of logical arguments (studies, EU harmonization) and strong emotional/philosophical appeals (family, life philosophy, a quote from Tammsaare). The speaker is formal and answers questions politely, but also employs criticism regarding the current tax policy (trial-and-error method) and the issue of low efficiency (foreign labor).
10 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data is limited to participation in the first reading of the given bill on November 11, 2024, where he/she presented the draft and answered questions. Information regarding other activities, frequency, or appearances is unavailable.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is primarily aimed at those who prioritize work too highly and worry excessively about the economic damage caused by a shorter work week. The speaker also implicitly criticizes the government's method of imposing tax burdens, calling it a trial-and-error approach that lacks proper impact assessments. Furthermore, he/she blames the decline in labor efficiency on the increasing proportion of low-skilled foreign workers.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker refers to a previous draft bill by the Centre Party concerning the same issue, which demonstrates ideological consistency and a potential willingness to cooperate on this matter. He/She is open to answering questions, but stresses that performing the economic impact analysis is the responsibility of the Ministry of Finance.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level (Estonian labor organization and laws) and the international level, emphasizing the need to harmonize with the work and rest regulations of other European Union countries. Specific local or regional projects or communities are not mentioned.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints lean towards pro-labor and pro-consumption, arguing that additional days off boost employee motivation and stimulate the economy via domestic consumption (travel, shopping). He/She is skeptical about the excessively high tax burden and the lack of an impact analysis regarding it. He/She supports compensating employees working on a schedule for their leave with bonuses.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker emphasizes respect for Christian traditions and cultural heritage, supporting the declaration of the second day of Easter as a national holiday, viewing it as part of European identity. The primary social focus is on improving the work-life balance and increasing people's overall satisfaction with life.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on amending the Holidays and Commemorative Days Act (Bill 453 SE). The proposed changes aim to introduce compensatory days off when national holidays fall on a weekend, and to designate the second day of Easter (Easter Monday) as a new public holiday. The speaker is a staunch proponent and initiator of this draft legislation, stressing its necessity and anticipated positive effects.
10 Speeches Analyzed