Session Profile: Evelin Poolamets
Fifteenth Riigikogu, third session, plenary session
2024-04-15
Political Position
The political stance is strongly focused on ensuring the quality of victim support services and opposing the relaxation of professional requirements. The speaker highlights concerns regarding the risk of re-victimization for vulnerable groups (victims of sexual and domestic violence) if services are provided by untrained individuals. This position is clearly policy- and value-driven, demanding accountability and explanations from the minister regarding the absence of impact assessments.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed expertise regarding social sector regulations, particularly concerning the educational requirements and mandated training for providers of victim support services. Specific terminology is employed, such as "impact analysis," "secondary victimization," and distinctions are drawn between different staff groups (psychologists versus staff with secondary education). The knowledge base also encompasses the procedural aspects of the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, procedural, and critical, posing challenging questions structured as a formal inquiry. The tone is one of concern and appeals directly to logic, focusing specifically on procedural deficiencies (the absence of involvement and analysis) and potential negative repercussions (irreversible damage). The subsequent follow-up question is straightforward and clarifying.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Data on the patterns of activity is scarce, confined to submitting interpellations and asking clarifying questions during the plenary session of the Riigikogu. This demonstrates activity in holding the minister accountable and challenging specific regulations.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Criticism is directed at the actions of the responsible minister (Signe Riisalo) and the Ministry of Social Affairs, particularly concerning the drafting of the new regulation on educational requirements. The opposition is intense and centers on procedural shortcomings (the absence of an impact analysis and proper inclusion/involvement) and political decisions (a fundamentally different approach to requirements for various groups of employees).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The submission of the interpellation indicates cooperation with the other Riigikogu members who signed the query. Other data concerning inter-party cooperation or willingness to compromise is lacking.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely on the social policy established at the national level and the ministerial regulations concerning the quality of victim support services throughout Estonia. Regional focus is not addressed in the speeches.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In the social sector, the speaker places a strong emphasis on the quality of assistance provided to victims of violence and on victim protection. The necessity of ensuring adequate professional training for specialists is highlighted, specifically to prevent re-victimization or irreversible harm to the most vulnerable target groups (victims of sexual and domestic violence).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed towards scrutinizing government regulations and ensuring ministerial accountability through interpellation (referencing § 139 of the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act). The objective is to challenge the regulation establishing the professional qualification requirements for individuals providing victim support and to ensure quality control of these services.
2 Speeches Analyzed