Session Profile: Evelin Poolamets
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-02-25
Political Position
This political stance centers on staunch support for reserving the franchise exclusively for Estonian citizens, particularly at the local government level. The speaker vigorously opposes any amendments that would grant voting rights to non-citizens or individuals with undetermined citizenship, justifying this opposition on the grounds of national identity, security, and state sovereignty. This position is deeply value-driven, stressing loyalty and responsibility for the nation's well-being.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding constitutional matters and the legal and political implications of suffrage. He/She emphasizes that the proposed amendment complies with the style and form of the constitution and references the practices of other European countries concerning the linkage between citizenship and the right to vote. The expertise provided is primarily legal-political and value-based, rather than relying on statistics or technical data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, yet simultaneously passionate and compelling, employing strong nationalistic and security-focused appeals. The speaker uses rhetorical questions (Why should citizens of foreign nations be the ones to decide?) and stresses the themes of loyalty and responsibility. The speech concludes with a patriotic rallying cry ("Long live Estonia!"), which underscores the emotional bond with the audience.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker addressed the assembly twice during a single day of the session, first raising a procedural question regarding the constitutionality of the legislative amendment, and subsequently delivering a long, principled speech on the topic of voting rights. There is insufficient data regarding the frequency of appearances or other activities.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Criticism is aimed at those who wish to grant voting rights to non-citizens, who are considered potentially under the influence of hostile forces or who do not value Estonian independence. The opposition is intense and touches upon both procedural issues (an odd amendment) and the fundamental principles of policy (the core of sovereignty). The speaker suspects the opposing side of acting under pressure stemming from false shame or political correctness.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is expressed in a direct appeal to members of the Riigikogu to join the position of protecting the exclusive right of Estonian citizens to elect and decide the future of the state. There is no information regarding existing cooperation, readiness for compromise, or cross-party negotiation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is divided between the level of national sovereignty and local self-government, emphasizing that it is specifically Estonian citizens who should decide the direction of local life and the municipal councils. The international focus is used solely to provide comparative examples drawn from the practices of other European countries. There is no concentration on specific regional projects or issues pertaining to the electoral district.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the link between citizenship and loyalty with political rights, stressing that citizenship constitutes a conscious choice and an affirmation of allegiance. The speaker connects the right to vote with national security and the requisite proficiency in the Estonian language for governing local affairs. This stance is strongly restrictive and emphasizes the protection of the principles of the nation-state.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed at opposing amendments concerning the expansion of voting rights, and the individual is active in raising procedural and constitutional issues. The speaker is critical of the amendment and questions the rapporteur regarding its conformity with the style and form of the constitution.
2 Speeches Analyzed