Agenda Profile: Evelin Poolamets
Inquiry Regarding Changes to 2025 Beekeeping Support for Small Beekeepers (no. 761)
2025-09-08
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is firmly opposed to the government’s decision to cut subsidies for small-scale beekeepers, viewing this as a threat to Estonian cultural traditions and pristine nature. The criticism targets the state’s poor treatment of those who sustain rural life and produce clean food. The position is strongly value-driven, emphasizing the crucial importance of pollination and food security. The speaker demands justification from the government as to why this specific cut was chosen over other alternatives.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound knowledge of the apiculture sector, utilizing specific statistical data concerning the drastic decline in the number of subsidy applicants (2,000 versus 334). Professional competence is further evidenced by their understanding of controlling bee diseases (Varroa mite) and international support schemes (Hungary, Spain, France). The role of small-scale beekeepers is highlighted as a crucial component for both the registry and disease control efforts.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is forceful and emotional, using Estonian honey as a symbol of pure nature to emphasize the importance of the topic. The speaker combines logical argumentation (statistics, international comparison) with sharp criticism directed at the state's attitude. The tone is formal yet accusatory, faulting the lack of analysis and unfair treatment.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The modes of operation are confined to the submission of one specific parliamentary query (No. 761) and the subsequent presentation of a supplementary question during the same session. This demonstrates a focus on challenging a specific political decision.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is aimed squarely at the minister and the government, who decided to slash subsidies and abandoned small-scale beekeepers. The criticism is both policy-based and procedural, specifically citing the lack of analysis regarding the impact on regional development and the ecosystem. The resistance is intense, accusing the state of creating an unfair competitive environment.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker addresses colleagues ("Dear colleagues"), but there are no references to cooperation or seeking compromise with the government. The focus is on holding the executive branch accountable and changing policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus is placed on supporting rural life and sparsely populated areas, underscoring that small-scale beekeepers are vital for maintaining life in small villages. Beekeeping is integral to the foundations of local agriculture, pollination, and regional development.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Supports state subsidies and intervention to protect small-scale agriculture and ensure food security. It criticizes the budget cuts (€240,000), which place local producers in an unfair competitive situation compared to European countries. Subsidies are viewed as a necessary measure for competing effectively under free-market conditions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus centers on the state’s attitude toward its people, particularly those who contribute to sustaining rural life and producing clean food. Emphasis is placed on preserving community and viability in sparsely populated areas, and a warning is issued regarding the threat of rural life disappearing.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently directed at challenging the government’s planned changes to the 2025 apiculture support scheme via a formal parliamentary inquiry (interpellation). The objective is to compel the government to analyze and justify why small-scale beekeepers are being excluded from the support and potentially to reverse the decision.
2 Speeches Analyzed