Agenda Profile: Andre Hanimägi
Draft law (642 SE) for withdrawing from the convention prohibiting the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines and requiring their destruction – first reading
2025-05-21
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
Political Position
The political position strongly supports the draft legislation (642 SE) regarding withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, emphasizing the need to balance humanitarian values and practical defense capability requirements within the changed security environment. This stance is primarily justified by policy and security considerations, referencing the duty to defend independence and the reality that a potential aggressor does not abide by the convention. The speaker represents the Social Democrats' support for the bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in international security agreements and military strategy, focusing specifically on the role of anti-personnel mines in modern warfare. Specific data and references are utilized, such as the RAND Corporation study concerning the importance of minefields, and the number of mine types employed by Russia in Ukraine (at least 13 types). Furthermore, the speaker is knowledgeable about the practical consequences of convention membership on the battlefield.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is serious, rational, and persuasive, balancing the acknowledgement of humanitarian values with pragmatic security logic. Formal language and references to international law and the experience of Ukraine are employed to underscore the inevitability of the decision. The speaker also directly addresses objections (letters received in mailboxes), demonstrating an understanding yet resolute stance.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The patterns of activity are limited to a question posed and a supportive statement made within a single day concerning a specific bill. One statement is directed to the rapporteur to obtain expertise and examples regarding the situation in Ukraine, while the second is a comprehensive clarification of the position. No other data regarding frequency or actions is available.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is Russia, which is described as an aggressor violating international law and disregarding conventions, and one that does not refrain from using force. Criticism is also directed at those who emphasize the humanitarian aspects of adhering to the convention, but these objections are overruled by prioritizing national security.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative approach emphasizes regional alignment, noting that neighboring countries (Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland) have reached similar conclusions regarding defense capabilities. The speaker stresses that the legislature empowers the Defense Forces to make military decisions, citing confidence in military expertise.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
There is a heavy focus on international and regional security, utilizing the experience of the war in Ukraine as the primary argument for illustrating the threat posed by Russia. Emphasis is placed on the defense of the Estonian state and its people, alongside political alignment with the closest allies (Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland) on defense policy matters.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are tied to the efficiency of defense expenditure, emphasizing that, given limited resources, anti-personnel mines are a cheap and effective way for a small state to restrict enemy movement. While the high cost of demining is acknowledged, the price of independence is considered higher.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues have been addressed by juxtaposing humanitarian values with national security concerns. While the danger of anti-personnel mines to the civilian population and the resulting long-term suffering are acknowledged, it is stressed that the obligation to defend the state and maintain independence are paramount in the current security environment. Supporting this draft legislation does not constitute a withdrawal from humanitarian principles.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is clearly on the bill concerning withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention (Bill 642 SE), which the speaker strongly supports. The objective is for the legislature to empower the Defence Forces to make military decisions free of the convention's restrictions, thereby ensuring the nation's defense capability.
2 Speeches Analyzed