Session Profile: Evelin Poolamets
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
2024-03-20
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the legislative drafts initiated by the government, especially the amendments to the Atmospheric Air Protection Act, which are seen as creating legal uncertainty. Additionally, strong value-based opposition is expressed regarding the European Union’s Green Transition ambitions, which are viewed as mandates that inhibit economic growth and undermine the rule of law. These positions are fundamentally value- and policy-based, demanding the rejection of the bill.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise regarding the technical details of planning law and noise regulation, referring to specific legal sections and issues concerning legal certainty in the application of target and limit values. Furthermore, statistically supported data is presented concerning the necessity and environmental impact of mining metals related to the green transition, highlighting significant percentage increases (e.g., the need to increase rare earth metal mining by 4200%).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and, at times, combative, employing both detailed legal argumentation (referencing the ambiguity between the procedural bodies/regulators and the developers) and emotional, value-based appeals (e.g., undermining the rule of law). Comparisons are used (expense compensations versus doping) and historical parallels are drawn (setting utopian goals akin to Soviet party programs) to emphasize the gravity of the situation.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active during the plenary session of the Riigikogu, presenting questions and more extensive positions within a short timeframe on several different topics (the environment, elections, and the Riigikogu's internal rules of procedure). The request for additional time to deliver a longer presentation is also noted.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed at the draft legislation initiated by the government and, more broadly, at the European Union’s green policy, which is accused of issuing mandates and imposing prohibitions. The criticism is both political (concerning the violation of the principles of the rule of law) and procedural (concerning the lack of legal clarity). There is also criticism reserved for the Chancellor of Justice regarding the personal opinion he expressed on the topic of e-elections.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation is demonstrated by referencing the positions of professional associations (the Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities, the Estonian Association of Planners) on the issue of legal clarity, in order to support their criticism. Within the Riigikogu, action is taken on behalf of the faction, proposing to reject the draft bill at the first reading, which indicates a lack of willingness to compromise.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national legislative amendments and international (European Union) directives. Planning matters are addressed within the general context of urban and densely populated areas, with reference also made to the 15-minute city concept, but a specific regional emphasis is absent.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The prevailing economic perspectives are highly critical of the green transition, which they deem utopian. They argue that it necessitates an unrealistically massive scale of resource extraction, thereby impeding both economic growth and improvements in human welfare. Furthermore, there is vocal opposition to dictating new boundaries for consumption that fail to account for continued economic expansion.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social topics addressed include the quality of the living environment, specifically concerning noise and the availability of quiet recreational areas in cities. The lack of public trust in e-elections is also highlighted, noting that 40% of the population does not trust them. Furthermore, the ethical issue surrounding the use of expense reimbursements by the Riigikogu is raised.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on opposing the draft amendment to the Atmospheric Air Protection Act, particularly regarding noise target values and the conditions under which they may not be applied. The speaker is an active opponent of the bill, proposing on behalf of the parliamentary faction that it be rejected during the first reading. Furthermore, internal organizational matters of the Riigikogu are also in focus, including the reliability of expense reimbursements and e-elections.
7 Speeches Analyzed