Session Profile: Evelin Poolamets
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
2025-02-17
Political Position
The political position is firmly opposed to the government's green energy policy, particularly concerning the regulation of wind farms and the protection of local municipalities. It is stressed that the state has created a situation where foreign developers are able to threaten local governments with massive damage claims (citing the example of Vinni municipality). This stance is strongly value-driven, focusing on the protection of the community and essential social facilities (school buildings, care homes). Furthermore, concerns are raised regarding youth mental health and suicide statistics.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of wind energy, highlighting technical details such as the lifespan of wind turbines (20–30 years), height (300 meters), and decommissioning costs (up to one million euros per turbine). He is also well-versed in legal and financial matters, such as initiating detailed spatial plans, damage claims (a specific amount of 274,783.22 euros), and the business model of shell companies.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is predominantly combative, emotional, and forceful, especially when addressing local government issues. Strong metaphors and accusations are employed, labeling the developers' activities as "extortion and mafia." The emotional appeal is amplified by dramatic rhetorical questions that allude to the forced sale of social facilities (school buildings, nursing homes).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was active during a plenary session (2025-02-17), posing three consecutive questions concerning both social and energy policy issues. In one address, he/she referenced direct communication with a law firm and the former Minister of the Environment (Marko Pomerants).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opposition is directed at the government and the minister for establishing inadequate regulation in the energy sector, which has created legal and financial jeopardy for local municipalities. Strong criticism is also aimed at international wind energy developers (Sustainable Investments OÜ), who are being labeled as extortionists and shell companies demanding money unjustly.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
There is a very strong regional focus on Vinni Rural Municipality, where the speaker also serves as a member of the municipal council. Emphasis is placed on the issues Vinni Municipality faces regarding damage claims and decommissioning costs levied by wind farm developers, consistently prioritizing the interests of the local community.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspective is critical of regulations that favor foreign shell companies—entities that neither pay taxes nor create jobs—but nevertheless demand substantial damages. It supports protecting the financial stability of local governments and opposes using public funds (such as those allocated for extracurricular activities or school buildings) to cover the risks of private enterprises or reimburse legal fees.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It raises the youth mental health crisis as a social issue, emphasizing that suicide is the number one cause of death among young people. It calls on the minister for alternative solutions and for improvements to be made regarding the helplines.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is aimed at closing regulatory gaps in the wind energy sector to ensure that decommissioning costs are covered in the event of corporate bankruptcy, thereby preventing these costs from being borne by local municipalities. Furthermore, the necessity of protecting the right of local governments to decide on the initiation of detailed planning is also emphasized.
3 Speeches Analyzed