Session Profile: Evelin Poolamets
Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, plenary sitting.
2025-09-24
Political Position
The political position is radical opposition to the current implementation of the Rail Baltic project, demanding its immediate halt and withdrawal from international agreements (an EKRE proposal). It is stressed that the project has failed, relies on "wishful thinking," and poses a threat to the state budget, prioritizing the funding of domestic priorities (teachers, doctors, and rescuers). The position is strongly critical from both a fiscal and results-oriented perspective.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough expertise regarding the financial and technical details of Rail Baltic, highlighting specific figures for the total cost (3.1 billion euros) and the unfunded portion (2 billion euros). Construction compromises are described, such as the single-track solution, omitted viaducts, and local stops maintained at a minimal level ("pole stations"). Reference is made to the conclusions of the National Audit Office and discussions held by the Economic Affairs Committee to support the assertion that the project is failing.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, skeptical, and pressing, utilizing strong negative metaphors (e.g., "we were promised an elephant and got a mouse," "a massive hole in the state budget"). The speaker relies heavily on financial data, risk analysis, and comparing government promises with reality to justify the necessity of halting the project. The government is accused of dishonesty and concealing the truth.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in the Riigikogu plenary sessions and participates in committee work, frequently citing discussions and arguments put forward within the Economic Affairs Committee. This mode of operation demonstrates a critical analysis of government decisions and the presentation of alternative proposals.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary confrontation is with the government and the Reform Party, who are accused of secrecy and concealing the truth from the public, citing the philosophy of tax hikes implemented after the 2023 elections. Criticism is also directed at members of the Riigikogu (Parliament), who are "immune to criticism" and tend to blindly follow European Union directives, thereby forfeiting Estonia's independent right to make decisions.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker clearly represents an opposition stance, putting forward EKRE's proposal to abandon the project. There are no references to cooperation, willingness to compromise, or bilateral discussions with the government, as the government's position is to complete the project "at any cost."
10 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the international level (Baltic states, EU funding, connection with Warsaw) and the national level (Estonian budget, infrastructure). Emphasis is also placed on the inconveniences faced by local residents and landowners due to ongoing disputes and the lack of local stops, mentioning, for example, the Muuga-Soodevahe and Häädemeeste regions.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views are strongly fiscally conservative, emphasizing the necessity of thrift and cautioning against the use of borrowed money and wishful thinking. They criticize the waste of European Union funds on projects that lack any real purpose, labeling the attitude that doesn't view EU money as taxpayer money as "fundamentally wrong and corrupt."
10 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Socially, there is an emphasis on the need to protect the interests of local residents and landowners from state pressure, given their weaker position relative to government authorities. The government is also criticized for allowing Rail Baltic funding to divert or neglect promised resources intended for teachers, rescue workers, and doctors.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is EKRE's proposal to the Government of the Republic to abandon the Rail Baltic project and withdraw from international agreements. Transparency and an independent interim assessment are also demanded, and alternatives are being considered, specifically the upgrading of existing railways and the development of regional connections.
10 Speeches Analyzed