Agenda Profile: Evelin Poolamets
First Reading of the Draft Act Amending the Language Act and the Public Transport Act (Bill 397 SE)
2024-05-14
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position centers on the robust protection of the Estonian language and the preservation of the national state, citing the Constitution as the foundation for language defense. The speaker firmly supports the draft bill (397 SE), which would reinstate the B1 level language requirement for taxi drivers and platform workers. The current situation, where language requirements are absent, is deemed unlawful and increases the security risk. This position is strongly value-based and demands that the public use of the state language be universally mandatory.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the implementation of the Language Act and the history of the Public Transport Act, citing the former B1 level requirement that was in place until 2016. Specific data is utilized concerning complaints filed with the Language Inspectorate and the lack of language proficiency among taxi drivers, as well as statistics on short-term work permits (6,000 issued to Central Asian citizens in 2022) and illegal immigrants apprehended (nearly 1,000 last year). This expertise directly links language policy to immigration and security.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is insistent, defensive, and nationally oriented, stressing the necessity for the constant care and protection of the Estonian language. Strong value-based appeals are utilized (the Preamble to the Constitution, the nation-state), and warnings are issued against a "lawless situation" and security risks. The emotional intensity is balanced by the use of concrete examples and by citing the Director General of the Language Board.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The patterns of activity are confined to three speeches delivered during a single session day (May 14, 2024), all of which focus on the draft act amending the Language Act and the Public Transport Act (397 SE). The speaker both poses questions to the presenter and delivers a longer supporting speech in favor of the draft act. Data regarding any other activities or appearances is missing.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Criticism is directed primarily at the committee, which decided to reject the draft bill, despite the support voiced within the committee for tightening language requirements. The system is also criticized for allowing an unlawful situation to develop where proficiency in the Estonian language is not required in public services. The opposition is politically and procedurally justified, accusing the opposing side of neglecting the state's obligations.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker mentions the strong support of the party (EKRE) for the bill. The questions asked indicate a desire to understand the rationale behind the committee's decision to reject it. There is no data regarding cooperation or willingness to compromise with other parliamentary groups.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strictly national, emphasizing the mandatory universal use of the Estonian language and its enforcement across the entire Republic of Estonia. Regional examples (such as shopping centres or bilingual notices from local governments) are used to illustrate the extent of national non-compliance, rather than to highlight specific regional projects.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are tied to labor regulation, criticizing the lack of language requirements for platform workers (taxi drivers, food couriers), which contributes to fueling the gray economy and illegal immigration. Support is given for finding state resources to implement the language law, emphasizing that these resources must be secured.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is immigration, which is addressed in the context of language and security. The speaker links the absence of language requirements to illegal immigration (remaining in the country after a short-term work permit expires) and a growing security risk. It is emphasized that proficiency in the Estonian language is both a motivation and a standard for all people residing in Estonia.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on supporting Bill 397 SE, which aims to reinstate the Estonian language proficiency requirement (B1 level) for taxi drivers and platform workers in the Public Transport Act. The speaker is a strong proponent of this initiative and criticizes the committee's proposal to reject the bill.
3 Speeches Analyzed