Session Profile: Evelin Poolamets
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
2024-05-14
Political Position
The political position is strongly nationalistic and value-driven, focusing on the protection of the Estonian language and the upholding of the Preamble to the Constitution. The speaker deems the current situation in the public sphere "lawless" and urgently demands the reinstatement of the B1-level language requirement for taxi drivers and platform workers. This stance is directly linked to the fight against illegal immigration and the reduction of security risks.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of language policy and immigration, citing the complaints of the Language Board and the positions held by Director General Ilmar Tomusk. Specific data is utilized regarding short-term work permits (6,000 applications in 2022) and the number of apprehended illegal immigrants (nearly 1,000 last year), linking these figures to the lack of language requirements.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is insistent and defensive, emphasizing the critical importance of the survival of the Estonian language and the nation-state. It employs both logical arguments (referencing laws and data from the Language Inspectorate) and emotional appeals, directly linking the language issue to a security risk and a lawless situation. The final message presents a stark choice: either enforce the use of Estonian or accept the decline of the nation-state.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the plenary session, posing three pointed questions to the Minister and the rapporteur, and subsequently delivering a detailed speech in support of the draft bill. This pattern highlights a focus on challenging the government's activities and legislative procedures, as well as supporting specific legal changes.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is aimed at both the minister's previous stances (on the issue of ensuring Estonian identity) and the decisions made by the Riigikogu committee, questioning their motives and consistency. The criticism is policy- and procedure-based, accusing the state of facilitating a lawless situation and illegal immigration due to the absence of language requirements.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is visible in the clear support for the bill ("EKRE supports this bill"), which indicates collaboration with the initiators of the draft. There is no mention of seeking compromises or cross-party cooperation; rather, the emphasis is placed on the correctness of their own position and the necessity of establishing a stricter order.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly national, addressing the status of the Estonian language and the enforcement of laws throughout the entire Republic of Estonia. Complaints by the Language Board (Keeleamet) and bilingual announcements by local governments are mentioned, but there is no specific regional emphasis.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are directed toward the regulation and control of the labor force, demanding the introduction of a language proficiency requirement for platform workers to prevent illegal employment. The objective is to reduce the gray economy that arises as a result of the misuse of short-term work permits. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of finding resources for the enforcement of the language law.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the survival of the Estonian language and nation, which is linked to the demand for strict immigration control. Illegal immigration and the lack of language requirements in the service sector are viewed as a direct security risk and a cultural threat, requiring immediate intervention.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on amending the Public Transport Act to reinstate the requirement for taxi drivers to possess Estonian language proficiency (B1 level) and to extend this requirement to platform workers. The speaker is a strong proponent of this specific draft bill and stresses the necessity of ensuring the full enforcement of existing laws, finding additional resources for this purpose if needed.
4 Speeches Analyzed