Session Profile: Ants Frosch

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

2024-10-21

Political Position
The political position is strongly critical of the government and the Ministry of the Interior regarding their oversight of security agencies, demanding a clear audit and revision of the activities of the police and the Internal Security Service. The speaker criticizes the government for committing a fundamental error by failing to prevent the escalation of the issue while simultaneously neglecting the commemoration of Estonian men who fell in 1944. The main criticism is directed at the government’s incompetence and its performance-driven avoidance of responsibility.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates authority and knowledge regarding the legal aspects of internal security, the oversight of police and the Security Police Board (KAPO) activities, and surveillance (specifically, call data analysis). They refer to concrete past incidents (the 2004 events, the 2014 kidnapping of a KAPO official) and a recent Tartu court case to substantiate their claims about the lack of control. The expertise focuses on institutional oversight and evidence gathering procedures.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, analytical, and demanding, focusing on institutional and procedural errors. Logical arguments and references to specific historical and legal cases are used to emphasize the incompetence and lack of control in the government's actions. The tone is formal but includes sharp assessments (e.g., "ülimalt käpardlikult," "mindi kahuriga varblast laskma").

4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active during plenary sessions, posing direct questions to the minister and engaging in extended debates. They reference earlier discussions held within the special committee for the oversight of security institutions, demonstrating consistent involvement at the committee level. Furthermore, the speaker requested additional time during the debate, signaling a commitment to addressing the subject in depth.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Government of the Republic and the Ministry of the Interior, who are criticized for avoiding responsibility and allowing security agencies to slip out of control. The criticism is systemic and intense, accusing the government of undermining security provision procedures and demonstrating a lack of political will regarding memorial issues. No willingness to compromise has been expressed; instead, a clear revision is demanded.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of collaboration is primarily adversarial, although reference is made to questions raised by colleagues (Leo Kunnas), which demonstrates support for and integration of the arguments of other opposition members into the address. There is no indication of a readiness to compromise or cross-party cooperation with the government.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national security, government control mechanisms, and Estonia’s international reputation (e.g., regarding the 2014 border incident). A specific court case in Tartu is also mentioned, concerning evidence collection procedures, which serves as an example of a national issue manifesting regionally.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic discussion is confined to the speculative issue of granting asylum to Ukrainian men of mobilization age, pitting Ukraine's defense capability against the resilience of the Estonian economy and the need for labor. No other standpoints regarding taxes, expenditures, or regulations are presented.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker addresses the issue of balancing security and civil liberties, criticizing uncontrolled surveillance activities that have damaged evidentiary procedures. The theme of historical memory is also important, with criticism directed at the government's failure to commemorate the Estonian men who fell in 1944. Furthermore, the question of asylum for Ukrainian men of mobilization age and the fulfillment of their civic duty is raised.

4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on improving the oversight of security agencies, and a comprehensive review is being demanded. The speaker criticizes the Ministry of the Interior for failing to deliver on its promises regarding the draft legislation concerning the internal oversight of security institutions.

4 Speeches Analyzed