Agenda Profile: Ants Frosch
First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu (104 OE), titled "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Remove the So-Called Bronze Soldier Statue from Public Space"
2024-01-16
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance is strongly oriented against the glorification of Soviet Union narratives, clearly supporting the proposal for the removal of the Bronze Soldier. This support is justified by citing international practice (such as the removal of Confederate monuments in the USA) and security considerations, emphasizing the necessity of countering Russian influence operations. The overall focus is on a value-based and security-centric approach.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker displays expertise regarding international monument policy and the trends involved in removing historical memorials, citing specific data from the USA and Europe. Furthermore, they are knowledgeable about the focus of Estonia's internal security and intelligence services (KAPO) in repelling Russian influence operations. They directly connect the Soviet Union's World War II narrative with current Russian propaganda.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal and analytical, employing logical appeals and referencing specific international data. The speaker poses questions that point to deficiencies in procedures (the inactivity of the Constitutional Committee) and uses light irony when referring to the "fresh social democrats."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the inaction of the Constitutional Committee, as they failed to request an assessment from security agencies regarding Russian propaganda narratives. There is also an ironic reference to the "fresh social democrats," hinting at their possible naivety concerning security matters.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker seeks cross-factional cooperation when approaching security institutions to obtain additional information. He/She is prepared to share information with the factions to ensure that security aspects are taken into consideration.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national security issues (Russian influence operations in Estonia) and international parallels concerning the removal of historical monuments in the USA and Europe.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social issue concerning historical monuments and narratives is being discussed, highlighting that the Soviet Union’s role in the Second World War constitutes a Russian propaganda narrative. The priority is placed on security and countering malign influence, which justifies the removal of the monuments.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the Riigikogu's draft resolution concerning the removal of the Bronze Soldier statue from public space. The speaker is an active proponent, concentrating on justifying the draft through the lenses of security and international precedent, while also criticizing procedural deficiencies within the Constitutional Committee.
2 Speeches Analyzed