Agenda Profile: Evelin Poolamets
Draft law (583 SE) for the first reading regarding accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and approval of amendment to Article 20, paragraph 1, of the Convention.
2025-03-20
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government's initiative (the CEDAW Optional Protocol), calling into question both its practical value and its budgetary cost. The criticism targets the inefficiency of the government’s actions, accusing them of engaging in substitute activities instead of focusing on economic management. This position is framed both in terms of values (an accusation of hypocrisy) and outcomes (the necessity of boosting the economy).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker focuses primarily on fiscal responsibility and economic governance, demanding a numerical breakdown of the initiative's budgetary cost. It is also highlighted that the initiative is channeled through the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, suggesting an expectation that social initiatives must possess a clear economic rationale. There is a lack of more detailed knowledge regarding the technical aspects of international law or social policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical, combative, and skeptical, employing strong accusations and emotional judgments ("a small comical element"). The speaker utilizes direct personal attacks against the opposing party, accusing them of hypocrisy and saving face. The style is formal in its address, but highly accusatory in content, focusing on political attack and the fear of bureaucracy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Information is available for only one session, during which two questions and comments were raised regarding the first reading of a specific bill. The pattern indicates active participation in the legislative debate, focusing on budgetary and practical issues.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party, which is intensely criticized both for its political actions (busywork, bureaucracy) and personal conduct. The speaker accuses the Reform Party of discriminating against female colleagues in the Riigikogu, making the criticism personal and value-driven. The opposition is strong and questions the sincerity of the opposing side's motives.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is insufficient data. The speaker positions themselves as a strong opponent, demanding explanations and figures from the opposing side, which does not suggest any willingness to cooperate on this topic.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level (promoting Estonian life, managing the economy) and on international legislation (acceding to the convention). There are no references to specific regional or local topics.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views emphasize the need to manage the economy efficiently and avoid unproductive activities that do not benefit Estonia. The speaker demands strict fiscal responsibility, specifically asking how much the initiative will cost the state budget, highlighting concerns over state budget expenditure.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The issue of women's discrimination is addressed among social problems, but it is utilized as a tool for political attack to highlight the hypocrisy of the ruling party. A specific international initiative is viewed as an ineffective solution that increases bureaucracy and fails to improve actual conduct.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the opposition to Bill 583 SE (the CEDAW Optional Protocol), for which examples of solving practical problems and a budget analysis are being demanded. The speaker positions themselves as an opponent of the initiative, emphasizing its bureaucratic character and the risk of it becoming mere displacement activity.
2 Speeches Analyzed