Agenda Profile: Evelin Poolamets
Draft law (667 SE) for amending the Atmosphere Protection Act and other laws (partial transposition of amendments to the directive on greenhouse gas emission trading) - second reading
2025-09-10
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is one of strong opposition to the transposition of the directive imported from the European Union, which expands CO2 quota trading to a new sector. The stance is value-based, emphasizing the protection of Estonian sovereignty and resistance to artificial taxation that burdens businesses. The draft bill is considered harmful, dangerous to sovereignty, and unbearable for the people of Estonia. The policy framing is aimed at halting an ideological experiment, the cost of which will be borne by the Estonian people.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speakers demonstrate an understanding of the CO2 Emissions Trading System (ETS) and its economic impacts, citing compensation as a wage mechanism and addressing competitiveness concerns. Furthermore, expertise regarding the procedural processes of the Riigikogu was highlighted, criticizing documents that failed to reach the committee representative and the lack of adequate information. The expertise centers on the economic and bureaucratic ramifications of environmental policy.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is predominantly combative, critical, and urgent, employing powerful ideological and emotional appeals. Labeling phrases are used, such as "the green racket," "the bottomless black hole," and "insane experiments." The appeals focus on stressing sovereignty and economic damage, while accusing the opposition of being detached from reality.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The course of action involved active participation in the second reading of the draft bill (667 SE), repeatedly posing questions to the rapporteur concerning the compensation of the CO2 tax and the matter of sovereignty. An official proposal was made on behalf of the parliamentary group to interrupt the reading. Procedural issues were also emphasized, citing missing information within the committee and letters of protest.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the ruling coalition parties ("the liberal majority") and the "Brussels bureaucracy," to whom the Estonian government allegedly bows down. The criticism is intense, spanning both policy and procedure, accusing the opposing side of engaging in ideological experimentation and making the state bloated and clumsy. No willingness to compromise is being shown; instead, they are demanding that the bill's second reading be halted.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is strictly intra-factional, with the proposal being made on behalf of the EKRE faction. There is no indication of openness to compromise or cross-party cooperation regarding this draft bill. Communication with the rapporteur was interrogative and critical, calling into question both their expertise and the necessity of the draft bill.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is placed on the national level (the Estonian economy, the standard of living for Estonians, and Estonian competitiveness) and the international level (European Union directives and vessels from other EU countries). Specific regional or local issues are absent; the emphasis is strictly on sovereignty and protecting the national economy.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic outlook is fiercely opposed to regulations and taxes, particularly regarding CO2 quota trading, which is viewed as an artificial tax that burdens businesses. It is stressed that this exacerbates the economic downturn and diminishes Estonia's competitiveness. Criticism is leveled at directing CO2 revenue towards funding the "follies of the green transition," arguing that this fails to create jobs or strengthen the economy, instead merely enriching corporations and bureaucracy.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is centered on opposing Bill 667 SE (the transposition of the ETS directive) and moving to suspend its second reading. The objective is to halt the entry into force of legal amendments imported from Brussels, which would extend taxation to a new sector. The speaker is the driving force behind obstructing the procedure and remains a staunch opponent of the bill.
8 Speeches Analyzed