Agenda Profile: Varro Vooglaid
A campaign spreading fear of war on the streets of Tallinn
2024-02-21
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing
Political Position
The political stance is strongly anti-government, accusing the administration of strategically employing fear-mongering (specifically, the fear of war) to boost its low popularity (37%) and mobilize the public. The speaker deems the campaign unethical and inappropriate, especially during the week of the Republic's anniversary, and suspects it is a strategic communication (stratcomm) project designed to serve government interests. The position is heavily value-driven, focusing on the ethics and psychological impact of public communication.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of strategic communication (stratcom) and patterns of political mobilization, comparing the current campaign to previous scare tactics (the Covid era). They are also familiar with public order violation procedures, referencing the PPA's (Police and Border Guard Board) actions concerning other artistic performances (specifically the Jaak Valge and Andres Aule incidents).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is accusatory, critical, and emotional, emphasizing the psychological damage of the campaign and calling it "psychoterror" aimed at children. Both logical argumentation (citing the government's low popularity) and moral condemnation ("very cynical") are employed, while simultaneously demanding unambiguous confirmation from the minister regarding the government's non-involvement.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in parliamentary sessions, addressing questions to a member of the government concerning current and controversial public campaigns that have been launched on the streets of Tallinn.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the government and the structures operating under its authority, which are accused of achieving political objectives through fearmongering. The criticism is intense and alleges unethical behavior, drawing comparisons to previous patterns of political mobilization, and the official explanation regarding "independent artists" is dismissed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is clearly on Tallinn, concentrating on the Mustamäe, Lasnamäe, and Õismäe districts where the posters are located. Emphasis is placed on the campaign's impact on specific local residents, including Estonians, Russians, and Ukrainians who have fled the war.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Strong emphasis is placed on mental health and child protection among social issues, labeling the campaign as unacceptable psychological terror. The speaker criticizes the practice of making distinctions based on nationality, considering the claim that intimidation is justified among the Russian-speaking population to be cynical.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is aimed at monitoring the operations of law enforcement agencies (PPA) and the consistent application of public order regulations. The speaker demands to know if the PPA plans to initiate proceedings concerning this project, given that it is disturbing people far more egregiously than prior artistic actions.
2 Speeches Analyzed