Session Profile: Ants Frosch
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-05-02
Political Position
The political position is strongly procedural and value-based, emphasizing the necessity of halting the rush and avoiding the "steamroller" tactic in the Riigikogu. The speaker is critical of the executive branch (the Ministry of Interior) for its inability to manage its work and demands adherence to humanity and practical common sense when considering the appeals made by the churches. He finds that the Riigikogu has "run itself into a deadlock" with the current agenda.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the procedural rules of the Riigikogu, referencing the role of the Constitutional Committee, the submission of materials, and the options available for taking a recess. They are also familiar with the activities of the Ministry of the Interior and the minister’s public statements, citing Vilja Kiisler’s interview with Interior Minister Läänemets on April 30th. This expertise centers on political accountability and procedural correctness.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is insistent, critical, and concerned, expressing a personal "predicament" regarding the situation that has arisen. Both logical procedural arguments and strong value-based appeals are employed, emphasizing "humanity and peasant wisdom." The speaker uses memorable metaphors, such as the "steamroller," and refers to folk wisdom (a leg grows out of the grave) to emphasize the opposing side's unethical behavior.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's activity was concentrated on a single day of the plenary session, where he participated intensely in procedural disputes, repeatedly requesting recesses and posing questions to the rapporteurs and committee chairs. He referenced the need to communicate with colleagues and church leaders, which indicates active involvement in behind-the-scenes lobbying.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opposition is aimed at the Riigikogu leadership and majority over the procedural rushing, known colloquially as the "steamroller." The executive branch (Interior Minister Läänemets) faces sharp criticism for incompetence and for requesting "indulgences" from Parliament, which suggests the government is avoiding accountability. The criticism is mainly procedural and concerns the government's activities.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is actively seeking cooperation and mediation, requesting a half-hour recess to communicate with colleagues (e.g., Jaak Aab) and church leaders. He urges them to reach internal conclusions in order to find a future reasonable and "civilized" course of action. He is open to compromise, provided it means halting the rush and allowing for discussion.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strictly national and institutional, centering on the activities of the Riigikogu (Parliament) and the Ministry of the Interior. The regional link only emerges within the context of appeals by church leaders, mentioning the Vicar Bishop of the Tallinn Diocese and Daniel, the Bishop of Tartu.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker addresses social issues related to the relationship between the state and churches, emphasizing the need to consider the requests made by the President of the Council of Churches, Bishop Daniel, and Archbishop Urmas Viilma to postpone the decision-making process. He stresses that in this sensitive matter, one must proceed "cautiously and deliberately" and be guided by humanity.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is aimed at halting the proceedings on a specific bill and correcting procedural errors. The speaker is strongly opposed to the current rushed process and demands that the Constitutional Committee be given the opportunity to convene and formulate its position.
6 Speeches Analyzed