Agenda Profile: Evelin Poolamets
Inquiry regarding labor productivity, Estonia's competitiveness, and cheap labor (no. 742)
2025-05-19
15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government’s plans to introduce more cheap labor, viewing this as a threat both to the productivity of the Estonian economy and to the security and identity of the nation-state. The most crucial issues are labor policy, immigration, and national security. This position is clearly value-driven, emphasizing the necessity of protecting the Estonian worker and the Estonian language. The goal of policy must be "more Estonians," not "more people."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the specifics of the labor market and immigration policy, addressing wage levels, productivity issues, and the ambiguity of tax liabilities for temporary contract workers. Specific statistical data is cited regarding the growth of the Muslim community in Estonia (from under 1,000 in 2011 to an estimated 10,000 today), and the speaker references the yearbook of the security services (KAPO). Furthermore, countries are named (Belarus, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh) where conducting background checks is complicated.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is urgent, cautionary, and at times alarmist, especially concerning the destruction of the nation-state and security issues. Both logical arguments are employed (tax losses, burden on the social system) and strong emotional appeals (the weakening of the Estonian language, the mistakes of Western Europe). The language is direct and demanding, calling for a clear "no" to cheap labor and mass immigration.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Based on the submitted data, the proceedings were limited to a single session day, during which three addresses were delivered within the framework of one inquiry. The speaker requested additional time for a comprehensive presentation of their views, indicating a desire to cover the topic in depth.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Estonian government, which is preparing to change its foreign labor policy, and the Estonian Employers' Confederation, which is accused of wanting to pay low wages and avoid making investments. The criticism is sharp and aimed at political decisions that harm Estonian workers, the state's tax revenue, and national security. No willingness to compromise has been expressed; instead, a complete change in the direction of the policy is being demanded.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
No data available.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily national (covering the Estonian economic model and population composition), but a specific regional problem in Tallinn is also highlighted. In Tallinn, a significant portion of jobs in the construction and service sectors are filled by Russian-speaking workers or labor from third countries, which weakens the position of the Estonian language in the public space.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives favor a model that values its people, invests in skills, and pays a decent wage, while strongly opposing the mass importation of cheap labor. Cheap labor policies are viewed as short-sighted and detrimental, as they postpone the modernization of production lines. Criticism is also directed at the evasion of tax obligations through temporary agency labor, which harms state tax revenue and honest businesses.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
At the forefront of social issues are mass immigration and national security, particularly concerning the explosive growth of the Muslim community. The necessity of protecting the Estonian language and culture, and avoiding Western European mistakes in integration policy, is stressed. Immigration from third countries is viewed as a direct threat leading to the fundamental destruction of the nation-state.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on opposing the government's proposed change to the foreign labor policy, a change that would permit the importation of low-wage workers into Estonia based on the prevailing wage level of a specific sector or region. The speaker is a staunch opponent of this initiated policy direction, demanding its clear rejection and the establishment of stricter security controls for immigrants.
3 Speeches Analyzed