Session Profile: Evelin Poolamets
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session.
2024-01-08
Political Position
The political position is strongly value-driven, focusing on opposition to amendments to the Family Law (same-sex marriage), which are deemed socially divisive and being pushed through using strong-arm tactics. The stance is sharply opposed to the government’s actions regarding social issues, stressing that the state has no obligation to legalize same-sex marriage. A secondary focus is placed on education policy, particularly the issues surrounding the concentration of Ukrainian youth and rural schools facing the threat of closure.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the social and legal sectors, thoroughly addressing both the draft amendment to the Family Law Act and the specific provisions of the Artificial Insemination and Embryo Protection Act. They raise complex legal issues concerning filiation (descent) and the prevention of marriages between biological relatives. Furthermore, the speaker is up-to-date on the specific proposals made by regional associations of education workers.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal and direct, employing sharp and accusatory language when addressing matters of value. The government's actions are heavily criticized, using phrases such as "completely unacceptable," "dividing society," and "forcing [measures] through using strong-arm tactics." The argumentation relies on both procedural sources (the long waiting time for the inquiry) and legal sources (a reference to the European Court of Human Rights).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The patterns of activity demonstrate active participation in parliamentary oversight, submitting inquiries to ministers on important issues. A long wait (eight months) for a response from the Minister of Social Protection was noted, which indicates persistent pressure on certain topics.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is aimed at Minister of Social Protection Signe Riisalo and the government more broadly, sharply criticizing the procedure and objectives of ramming through legislation. The government is accused of dividing society and using strong-arm tactics in the interests of a "small, marginal minority." The criticism is both procedural (failure to answer the interpellation) and substantive.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is directed towards the educational challenges in Viljandimaa, highlighting the Viljandimaa Education Workers' Union's proposal for the centralization of Ukrainian youth. Special emphasis is also placed on the situation of small rural schools facing the threat of closure, offering them a potential new function.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The stance on social issues is strongly conservative, opposing the legalization of same-sex marriage on the grounds that, according to the European Court of Human Rights, it is neither a fundamental nor a human right. Concern is also expressed regarding the impact of the new fertilization law on family structure, specifically asking how marriages between biological siblings will be prevented.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Legislative attention is centered on opposing and critically analyzing the draft amendment to the Family Law Act and the Artificial Insemination and Embryo Protection Act. The speaker utilizes parliamentary inquiries (interpellations) to hold ministers accountable for forcing through value-driven legislation.
3 Speeches Analyzed