Session Profile: Jaak Aab
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-05-02
Political Position
The speaker takes a very clear and forceful stance against the Moscow Patriarchate, declaring it an institution that supports Russia's military aggression. He/She consistently emphasizes that the statement does not concern religious activity or Orthodox believers, but only the Patriarchate as an institution. The speaker strongly supports the principles of religious freedom and the separation of state and church, but demands the separation of Estonian Orthodox congregations from the Moscow Patriarchate on security grounds.
19 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Shows a deep awareness of international law and security policy, referencing specific documents such as the resolution of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the yearbook of the Security Police. It demonstrates a thorough understanding of the content of the Moscow Patriarchate's statements, particularly the program document of March 27. It uses precise references to the Estonian Constitution and laws, thereby showing legal competence.
19 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
Uses explanatory and persuasive rhetoric, repeatedly emphasizing the core message that the statement does not concern religious believers. It relies on facts and specific documents, maintaining an official tone. Questions are answered thoroughly and with patient explanation, using repetition to stress important points. The style is diplomatic, yet firm in its positions.
19 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Actively participated in committee work and collaborated with other factions to refine the text of the statement. Gave interviews to Russian-language media outlets, including an appearance on Radio 4. Plans meetings with the leaders of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. Continuously monitors Russia’s actions and the statements of its apologists throughout the aggression.
19 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main adversary is the Moscow Patriarchate as an institution and Patriarch Kirill personally, who is being called a war criminal. It sharply criticizes the Patriarchate’s justification of aggression and its call for a "holy war." The opposition is clearly political and security-based in nature, not anti-religious. It rules out compromise on the issue of the jurisdictional subordination of parishes associated with the Patriarchate.
19 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Highlights cooperation with 52 Riigikogu members and various factions during the drafting of the statement. Acknowledges the contribution of Jaak Valge and Ants Frosh in improving the text within the committee. Expresses readiness to meet with church leaders and calls for voluntary solutions. Supports the Ministry of the Interior’s efforts in negotiations with congregation leaders.
19 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It focuses on Estonia's internal security and state sovereignty. It specifically mentions the Pühtitsa Convent and the Alexander Nevsky Parish as direct subordinate units of the Moscow Patriarchate in Estonia. It refers to a broader threat to the Baltic states and Eastern European countries in the context of Russia's expanding sphere of influence. It highlights Estonia's specific situation regarding the principle of separation of church and state.
19 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
He limits himself to noting that most of the assets and real estate belonging to Orthodox congregations are owned by the Estonian state, and the congregations merely use them. He does not express clear economic policy positions in these speeches. Economic issues are not among the topics covered.
19 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It strongly emphasizes the protection of religious freedom and the state's obligation to ensure people's liberty to choose their religion. It opposes the incitement of hatred, violence, and discrimination, in accordance with the constitution. It expresses concern regarding the impact of terrorist and hate propaganda on the populace. It supports democratic values and the European value space.
19 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The central activity is the initiation and explanation of the Riigikogu statement titled "On declaring the Moscow Patriarchate an institution supporting the military aggression of the Russian Federation." It references previous Riigikogu statements concerning Russia. It is emphasized that this is a declaration of political will, not a legal document. The objective is seen as expressing the will of the legislature, while leaving the consideration of subsequent steps to the executive branch.
19 Speeches Analyzed