Session Profile: Ants Frosch

15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session

2024-04-16

Political Position
The political stance is strongly value-driven, highlighting the importance of national symbols (the Estonian flag 140) and criticizing their neglect within the cultural program. Opposition is emerging against the prioritization of LGBT+ themes over national values, which ultimately calls the cultural program's priorities into question.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the content and organization of the "Tartu 2024" European Capital of Culture program, highlighting specific events and dates (LGBT+ pride on August 17th). The expertise focuses on issues related to balancing the national and social content of cultural programs, and the speaker is also aware of the location in Otepää for the celebration of the Estonian flag anniversary.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal and interrogative, expressing strong astonishment and condemnation ("how could such a thing happen"). A value-based appeal is employed, contrasting national symbols with social issues to highlight the misplaced nature of the priorities.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Data is scarce.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at the organizers of the cultural program and the government (through the minister), sharply criticizing their choices and priorities. The criticism is substantive, addressing the undervaluation of national values in the preparation of the cultural program.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Data is limited.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is directed towards Southern Estonia, specifically mentioning both the Tartu Capital of Culture program and the celebration of the 140th anniversary of the Estonian flag taking place in Otepää. The national significance of local events is emphasized.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Data is scarce.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Regarding social issues, emphasis is placed on the opposition to highlighting LGBT+ themes (LGBT+ pride) within the main program of the Culture Capital. This issue is contrasted with national values and traditions, which are considered to have been neglected.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is rather on oversight and questioning the government's actions regarding the substantive choices made within state-supported cultural programs (Tartu 2024). Specific draft laws are not mentioned.

1 Speeches Analyzed