Agenda Profile: Evelin Poolamets
First Reading of the Draft Act Amending the Law Enforcement Act (163 SE)
2024-03-06
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is on supporting the draft law that bans face coverings (burqas/niqabs), justifying this stance with concerns over security, the fight against extremism, and the prevention of discrimination against women. This position is strongly value-based, emphasizing the burqa's similarity to the manifestation of militant Islamism and extremist ideology. Furthermore, there is support for following the legislative example set by the Nordic countries in order to bring Estonian policy into alignment with Scandinavian standards.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of Islamic dress codes, asserting that the burqa is not an Islamic requirement, and is familiar with the relevant legislation of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Norway). A comparative analysis of symbols (the burqa vs. the St. George's ribbon) is used in the context of security, and a personal anecdote about the physical discomfort of wearing a burqa is presented.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is serious and admonitory, employing strong emotional associations by directly linking the burqa to "bloodthirsty extremists" and "executioners." Both a personal anecdote (eating a muffin on the ship) and a political comparison (the example of the Nordic countries) are used to support the speaker's position, all while maintaining a formal address to the presiding officer of the session.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is directed at the practice of wearing the burqa and the associated ideology (militant Islamism), which is viewed as both a security threat and discrimination against women. Specific political opponents or factions are not named; instead, the opposition is aimed more broadly at the spread of symbols and extremism.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
International cooperation is being sought, using Danish and Norwegian legislation as a model, in order to highlight the need for similar solutions in Estonia. There is no information available regarding inter-factional or domestic political cooperation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on international role models (the Nordic countries) and security threats related to militant Islamism. The interpretation of national symbols (the St. George's ribbon) in the Estonian context is also examined.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the regulation concerning face coverings, which is being treated as physical, moral, and mental discrimination against women, as well as a security threat. Emphasis is placed on the need to restrict symbols associated with militant Islamism, drawing parallels with the St. George ribbon.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the draft Act amending the Law Enforcement Act (163 SE), which seeks to regulate or outright ban face coverings. The speaker is a staunch proponent of this bill, citing both security and social arguments, and referencing the practices observed in Nordic countries.
2 Speeches Analyzed