Agenda Profile: Evelin Poolamets
Draft law amending the Defence Service Act (563 SE) - first reading
2025-03-19
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is on the indexing and raising of compensation for domestic defense forces personnel and reservists, a measure the speaker strongly supports. The current situation, where pay has not been raised since 2017, is considered unjust and a sign of political inertia (or lack of will). This stance is value-based, emphasizing the commitment owed to our own troops, and contrasts sharply with the significant expenditures on foreign missions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the history of military service pay, referencing the specific years when the pay was last increased (2017) and when the next increase is scheduled (2026). He is also aware of the budgetary costs of foreign missions, which run into the millions, using this contrast to strengthen his argument.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly passionate, aggressive, and emotional, utilizing phrases such as "it is embarrassing to listen" and accusing the opposition of lacking resolve. The speaker employs, as a logical argument, the contrast between the substantial costs of foreign missions and the failure to index the pay of domestic personnel. He/She casts doubt on the opposition's credibility, noting that "I do not believe anyone trusts your word anymore."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
No data available
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the spokesperson/government, who faces intense criticism over technical excuses ("it's technically not possible") and political inertia regarding the raising of defense personnel salaries. The attacks focus on the opposing side's competence and credibility, implying they are feeding false information to the reservists.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
No data available
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level, concentrating specifically on domestic active-duty personnel and reservists. International focus is also addressed, criticizing the significant spending on foreign missions in African countries, but there is no specific emphasis placed on particular regions within Estonia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker advocates for the reallocation and increase of state budget funds to index the pay of domestic defense forces personnel, stressing the importance of social justice. He criticizes the budget priorities, where large sums are spent on foreign missions, while the government is unwilling to implement indexing for the benefit of the men serving here at home.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social topic is the fair treatment and adequate compensation for reservists and active duty military personnel stationed locally. The issue is being framed as a moral and ethical problem, emphasizing that the current situation is "embarrassing" and "unjust" toward these men.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the first reading of the draft Act amending the Defence Forces Service Act (563 SE). The speaker is a strong opponent of the current approach, which fails to ensure immediate and adequate indexation of remuneration, and is demanding amendments to the bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed