Session Profile: Evelin Poolamets
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
2024-11-11
Political Position
The political focus is on improving the work-life balance, strongly supporting the provision of additional days off and compensation for public holidays. This position is value-based, emphasizing respect for Christian traditions and harmonization with the European Union's working arrangements. Concern is also expressed regarding the current tax burden and the lack of impact assessments thereof.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in comparing the legislation concerning public and national holidays with the work organization practices of European Union member states. Statistics regarding the length of the working week are utilized (Estonia 38h vs. the EU average of 37.5h), and reference is made to the practices of other countries when assessing economic impact. Furthermore, the speaker possesses knowledge of the Christian church calendar and the holiday arrangements in European countries such as Finland, Sweden, and Germany.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal and persuasive, combining logical arguments (EU harmonization, economic benefit) with philosophical and emotional appeals. Emphasis is placed on valuing and ensuring the well-being of employees, referencing Tammsaare and the common deathbed regrets concerning overwork. The tone is generally positive, focusing on the advantages of the draft bill.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The records cover only one plenary session, during which the speaker actively presented the draft legislation and responded to questions. Beyond defending the bill, he also posed pointed questions regarding the tax burden and the funding of abortions.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Criticism is aimed at the government's tax policy, which is described as having been introduced without impact analysis and via a "trial-and-error method." Previous economic arguments that blocked the addition of public holidays are also being criticized. Furthermore, the decline in work efficiency is linked to the increase in low-skilled foreign labor.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
A previous, identically themed bill proposed by the Centre Party is mentioned, indicating an ideological common ground regarding the issue of public holidays. The rapporteur is open to amendments proposed by colleagues, specifically concerning the funding of abortion and the question of men's responsibility.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level (the well-being of Estonian workers) and strongly on the international level. Emphasis is placed on the need to align with the labor and rest regulations of other European Union countries (especially the Nordic countries and Germany) in order to improve the international business environment.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Support is given to increasing domestic consumption through additional public holidays, which is expected to stimulate the local economy via travel and shopping. Concern is expressed regarding the high tax burden, and the well-being and motivation of working people are prioritized over economic gain.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Strong emphasis is placed on family values and work-life balance, promoting the concept of "working to live." In terms of social policy, respect for Christian traditions is highlighted, specifically by declaring the second day of Easter a national holiday. On the topic of abortion, questions are being raised regarding the possibility of ending state funding and establishing financial responsibility for men (e.g., covering 50% of the costs).
12 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative priority is amending the Holidays and Anniversaries Act to include additional days off and designate Easter Monday (the second day of Easter) as a national holiday. A secondary focus highlights interest in altering the funding structure of the Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa) and the division of abortion costs, with a formal proposal for amendment being submitted on this matter.
12 Speeches Analyzed