Agenda Profile: Evelin Poolamets
Interpellation Concerning the Quality Assurance of Assistance Provided to Victims of Violence (No. 428)
2024-04-15
Fifteenth Riigikogu, third session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is highly critical of the Ministry of Social Affairs' new regulations regarding the professional preparation of victim support staff. The core concern centers on the quality and safety of government activity, highlighting the danger of re-victimization and irreversible damage that arises from granting unprepared personnel access to vulnerable populations. This constitutes, first and foremost, a critique of policy and the efficacy of government action.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge of the regulation governing the professional qualification requirements for victim support providers, differentiating between the requirements for general service providers (secondary education) and specialized professionals (psychologists, psychotherapists). Specific and technical terminology, such as "re-victimization," is employed, and reference is made to the need for an impact assessment, which indicates expertise in the field of social work and trauma assistance policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, serious, and demanding, structured around the presentation of an official inquiry. The emphasis rests on logical and procedural appeals, requiring answers regarding impact assessments, stakeholder engagement, and quality control. The tone is one of concern, highlighting the potential risk of "irreversible damage" occurring.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active practitioner of parliamentary oversight, utilizing the mechanism of interpellation under § 139 of the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act to hold the minister accountable. This pattern of activity is aimed at scrutinizing the quality of specific political decisions and their implementation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is Minister Signe Riisalo, who is being criticized for procedural deficiencies (the lack of impact analysis and failure to involve target groups) and for the controversial nature of the policy. The criticism is intense and focuses on how the ministry’s actions could endanger the most vulnerable target groups.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The submission of the interpellation indicates cooperation with the other colleagues ("we want answers") who have signed the query. However, there is a complete lack of information regarding cross-party cooperation or a willingness to compromise.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national social policy and the Ministry of Social Affairs regulations concerning the quality of assistance provided to victims of violence nationwide. There is no regional or local focus.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
No data available
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is the quality and safety of assistance provided to victims of violence (including victims of sexual violence, violence against women, and domestic violence). The speaker calls for strict professional training and quality control to protect the most vulnerable target groups.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the supervision of government regulations and challenging their implementation, particularly regarding the qualification requirements for individuals providing victim support services. The speaker is the initiator of a parliamentary inquiry and a critical overseer, who demands answers pursuant to Section 139 of the Act.
2 Speeches Analyzed