Session Profile: Varro Vooglaid

The political position centers on fierce opposition to the restrictions and vaccination pressure imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, demanding an independent investigation into the safety and quality of mRNA vaccines. The speaker stresses the importance of respecting constitutional rights and sharply criticizes the irresponsible conduct of the government and various agencies, particularly concerning the pressure exerted to vaccinate children. This stance is clearly value-based, calling for accountability and transparency, and is directed toward a critical analysis of the errors made during the pandemic.

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the technical and regulatory aspects of mRNA vaccines, highlighting specific terminology such as plasmid DNA contamination, the SV40 promoter-enhancer, and lipid nanoparticles (LNP). He bases his claims on appeals from international scientific communities (NORTH Group) and relevant studies, emphasizing the exceeding of safety thresholds (10 nanograms per dose) and the batch-specific variability of the products. The expertise also covers criticism of pharmacovigilance procedures (drug safety surveillance) and references to studies regarding the persistence of mRNA in the body.

The speaker’s rhetorical style is sharp, critical, and emotionally charged, employing strong expressions such as "brutal outrage" and accusing the media of operating as a "propaganda mouthpiece." He/She balances detailed scientific references and data with moral appeals, emphasizing the breach of public trust and the avoidance of accountability. The overall tone is urgent and demanding, calling for support of the draft bill based on the precautionary principle.

The speaker is very active during the Riigikogu plenary session, presenting the draft bill and thoroughly answering numerous questions from colleagues, which demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing the discussion of the topic. He/She refers to the submission of the draft bill for proceedings and the receipt of an address from the NORTH Group in November 2024, but no other frequent activities or meetings are mentioned.

The main opponents are the government, the former Science Council (Irja Lutsar), and the agencies responsible for drug safety surveillance (the Health Board, the Ministry of Social Affairs), who are accused of conflicts of interest and covering up errors. The criticism is intense, describing the government's actions regarding pressure to vaccinate children as a "brutal outrage" and accusing the media and the courts of providing cover for the government. There is no willingness to compromise, as demands are being made for an immediate investigation and accountability.

The style of cooperation is primarily oppositional, but it relies on an international group of experts (the NORTH Group) and other critical voices (Kaari Saarma). The speaker stresses the necessity of involving independent experts in the work of the investigative committee to ensure transparency and prevent conflicts of interest. He/She expresses disappointment regarding Parliament’s inability to cooperate on substantive issues, noting that the opposition’s draft bills are "immediately killed off."

The focus is primarily national (Estonian agencies and legislation) and international (with references to US Army policy, the Australian Parliament, the WHO, and the European Medicines Agency). There is no regional focus, apart from a brief mention of a German foreign intelligence report titled "Saaremaa," the meaning of which remains unclear.

Economic viewpoints are presented indirectly, criticizing the financial bonuses paid to family doctors for vaccinations, deeming this an obvious conflict of interest and unethical. The economic damage caused by pandemic restrictions is also mentioned. However, a general economic policy stance is not put forward.

Regarding social issues, the protection of civil liberties and the principle of freedom of vaccination is at the forefront, and any violation of these is considered unacceptable. There is particularly strong criticism directed at pressuring children and young people via vaccine passports, especially since they were not considered part of the risk group. The speaker expresses concern over the erosion of public trust in the state and the media.

The primary legislative focus is the adoption of Riigikogu Draft Resolution 557, which establishes an investigative committee to assess the risks associated with modified mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The goal is also to amend laws in the future to prevent products whose safety is not beyond doubt from being allowed onto the market. The speaker is the initiator and a strong proponent of the draft resolution.