Agenda Profile: Evelin Poolamets
Draft law amending the Securities Market Act and, in consequence thereof, amending other laws (588 SE) - first reading
2025-04-08
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to draft bill 588 SE (gender quotas for listed companies), as it establishes ideological quotas instead of focusing on economic revitalization and easing the tax burden. The speaker criticizes the government’s actions, noting that the Estonian economy is stuck in the European bottom league and people’s economic security is diminishing. This position is value-based, emphasizing the importance of competence over quotas.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the legal details of the draft bill, referencing the fine amounts (up to 400,000 euros) and specific sections (§ 23792). Numerical requirements are also highlighted (40% on the council, 33% in management), as well as contradictions regarding penalties between government members (Jürgen Ligi) and the text of the draft bill.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative and critical, employing strong emotional appeals (e.g., describing the economy as being in the "mud league") and accusing the government of being bogged down in ideology. Both legal details (fine amounts, percentages) and a value-based framework (competence vs. the identity formula) are utilized. The tone is condemnatory and labels the situation "embarrassing."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity is limited to three interventions (two questions and one longer proposal from the faction) during the first reading of the draft amendment to the Securities Market Act, all on a single day.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party government and the Minister of Finance, who are criticized for pursuing an ideological agenda instead of stimulating the economy. The criticism is intense, accusing the government of dismantling well-functioning companies through ideological schemes. The EKRE faction proposes rejecting the bill.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is strictly internal to the faction, as the speaker represents the EKRE faction's position and proposes rejecting the draft bill during the first reading. No readiness for compromise is expressed.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level, addressing the general state of the Estonian economy and the legislation pertaining to publicly traded companies.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives stress the necessity of stimulating the economy and easing the tax burden. The speaker is vehemently opposed to regulations and hefty fines that obstruct the fundamental business objective of generating profit and pressure large corporations with ideological schemes.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker is vehemently opposed to gender quotas, labeling them an "experiment in gender identities" that jeopardizes women's rights and merit-based selection. Concerns are raised that the definition of "underrepresented sex" could encompass any vulva- or transgender identity, with the speaker citing instances of unfairness in sports as examples. It is stressed that women must be selected based on their skills, not some identity formula.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is centered on opposing the draft Act on the Amendment of the Securities Market Act and the Amendment of Other Related Acts (588 SE). The speaker is acting as a strong opponent and proposes, on behalf of the faction, to reject the bill at the first reading.
3 Speeches Analyzed