Agenda Profile: Ants Frosch
First Reading of the Riigikogu Draft Statement (420 AE) "On Declaring the Moscow Patriarchate an Institution Supporting the Military Aggression of the Russian Federation"
2024-05-02
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is on the ongoing deliberation of the draft bill concerning the Moscow Patriarchate, with the speaker urgently demanding a procedural pause and prudence. He criticizes the executive branch's failure to act independently and asks why the Ministry of the Interior requires the Riigikogu's indulgence, thus questioning the effectiveness of the government's operations. The speaker stresses the principle of humanity and common sense ('peasant wisdom') to prevent undue haste.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the Riigikogu’s procedural rules and the inaction of the Constitutional Committee, and is current on the recent appeals made to parliament by church leaders (Bishop Daniel, Archbishop Viilma). To support their arguments, they use specific, dated references to the Minister of the Interior’s interviews, demonstrating knowledge of political dynamics.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and procedural, expressing the speaker's personal distress regarding the situation. The speaker employs strong metaphors ("steamroller," "a leg growing out of the grave") and repeatedly poses rhetorical questions concerning the actions of the executive power and the commission. The appeals are directed both at logic (procedural justice) and at values (humanity, common sense).
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active during the Riigikogu session, focusing on procedural interventions, requesting recesses, and posing questions to the committee chairman. He/She refers to the need to communicate with colleagues (e.g., Jaak Aab) and church leaders, indicating a pattern of active consultation.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is aimed at the executive branch, especially Interior Minister Läänemets, whose competence is being questioned. Criticism is also leveled at the Riigikogu leadership and the committee for procedural errors and for ignoring the appeals of church leaders, while warning against the use of the "steamroller."
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker prioritizes finding consensus and cooperation, requesting a recess to communicate with colleagues (e.g., Jaak Aab) and calling for them to reach a reasonable conclusion internally. He/She stresses the necessity of considering the viewpoints of the Council of Churches and other colleagues.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the relationship between the state and the church, where the speaker stresses the necessity of taking into account the pleas of church leaders (EELK and MPEÕK) to postpone the decision. He emphasizes the principle of humanity and prudence (slowly and carefully), opposing haste when dealing with the weaker party.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on delaying the proceedings for the Riigikogu draft resolution (420 AE). The speaker is challenging the procedure, demanding a recess and consultations to prevent rushing and the use of "steamroller" tactics, while also criticizing the Constitutional Committee for its failure to discuss the relevant materials.
6 Speeches Analyzed