Session Profile: Evelin Poolamets
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-06-18
Political Position
The political stance involves strong opposition to the draft legislation aimed at accelerating the deployment of renewable energy, which is viewed as a hasty action taken at the expense of the rights of the Estonian people, nature, and common sense. This stance is value-based, stressing the necessity of protecting citizens' health and living environment against the interests of developers. The speaker accuses the government of undermining the trust between the state and its citizens.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of planning law (detailed plans, special plans) and environmental impact assessment, criticizing their devaluation in the draft bill. Specific technical aspects are highlighted, such as infrasound, vibration, shadow flicker, and the height of wind turbines (250–300 meters), alongside energy security issues (dispatchable power, reliance on fossil fuels). Comparisons are drawn with other countries (the Netherlands, Germany) to underscore the unique characteristics of Estonia’s scattered settlement pattern.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative, critical, and insistent, employing strong emotional appeals (the sacrifice of domestic peace, the destruction of the living environment). Sharp and accusatory language is utilized ("green madness," "the developers' law," "green transition fanatics"), and citizens' concerns are pitted against the haste of the state and developers. The appeals are a blend of legal and technical argumentation and personal experience (the impact on farmhouses).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is insufficient data regarding the frequency or pattern of the occurrences.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party government, "green transition fanatics," and wind farm developers (big industry). Criticism is directed both at the political course and the procedural side, accusing them of drafting the law at the behest of the developers and formally neutralizing the opinions of local communities. No willingness to compromise is expressed, with calls instead to vote against the draft bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no information regarding cooperation or willingness to compromise; the address is a direct and intense call for Riigikogu members to vote against the draft legislation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus is placed on Estonia's sparsely populated and rural areas, where the impact of wind farms (noise, infrasound, road burden) is more immediate than in a dense urban environment. Specific examples (Saarde and Tootsi wind farms) are cited regarding the impairment of the quality of life for local residents. Emphasis is placed on the responsibility and the pressure faced by local municipalities and communities.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspective is critical of regulations that favor developers (guaranteeing them profit) while simultaneously ignoring the financial detriment suffered by local residents. Emphasis is placed on negative consequences, such as the devaluation of property and the marginalization of the area, and the proposed monetary compensation (fees) for the loss of the living environment is deemed inadequate.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus of social issues centers on protecting citizens' health and quality of life (noise, infrasound, vibration), alongside the growing erosion of trust between the state and its citizens. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of shielding local communities, cultural heritage, and traditional ways of life from industrial development.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is centered on the opposition to the draft bill aimed at accelerating the deployment of renewable energy. The speaker is a staunch opponent, claiming the bill essentially negates the purpose of planning, devalues the Strategic Environmental Assessment, and infringes upon constitutional rights.
2 Speeches Analyzed