Session Profile: Andre Hanimägi
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
2025-05-21
Political Position
The political focus centers on national defense and security, strongly supporting withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention to secure a cheap and effective defense tool for Estonia in the form of anti-personnel mines. This stance is justified by core values (defending independence) and pragmatic defense capability requirements, citing Russia's violations of international law. The speaker stresses the necessity of balancing humanitarian values with practical defense needs in a complex security environment.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in international security and military strategy, citing examples drawn from the Ukrainian battlefield experience and referencing a RAND Corporation study on the critical importance of minefields. Furthermore, the speaker possesses knowledge of energy policy, particularly regarding the future prospects of dispatchable energy sources (nuclear and gas power plants). Specific terminology, such as "dispatchable energy" and "antipersonnel mines," is employed.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is serious, formal, and logical, emphasizing the pragmatic need for security while balancing it with humanitarian values. Fact-based arguments are employed, citing the decisions of neighboring countries and the experience of Ukraine to justify withdrawal from the convention. The address is directed both to colleagues in the Riigikogu and to "foreign friends," delivering a clear message regarding Estonia's will to defend itself.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was active during the plenary session, presenting both longer statements of position (withdrawal from the convention) and specific questions to the rapporteur and the minister (energy, examples from the battlefield). All appearances took place on the same day of the session, indicating active participation in the discussion of the agenda items.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the Russian Federation, which is being criticized for its violations of international law and its disregard for conventions. This disregard makes continued adherence to these conventions dangerous for Estonia. Criticism is also being leveled at those who urge against withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention. While their concerns are acknowledged, the country's defense capability is being prioritized.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style is pragmatic and regional: it is mentioned that the Social Democrats support the bill, citing cross-party backing on the security issue. Furthermore, the text emphasizes that similar conclusions have been reached with neighboring countries (Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland), which indicates regional political alignment.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily national and international, centering on issues related to Estonian national defense and energy policy. Internationally, the war in Ukraine and the extent of mine contamination (140,000 km²) are used to justify decisions, and security alignment with neighboring countries is emphasized.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are tied to the management of national defense resources. It is emphasized that given the constraints of limited resources, it is crucial to utilize inexpensive and effective tools, such as anti-personnel mines, to ensure Estonia's defense capability. Independence is considered a "costly" value, and resources must be used optimally to defend it.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social question is the balance between humanitarian values and national security. While the danger that anti-personnel landmines pose to the civilian population and the difficulty of demining are acknowledged, it is emphasized that the state's right and obligation to protect its people and independence outweigh the restrictions arising from the convention.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on supporting the draft resolution for withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention. This aims to grant the Defence Forces the capability to utilize anti-personnel mines without the restrictions imposed by the convention. The overall objective is to empower military personnel to make strategic decisions unconstrained by a potential aggressor.
3 Speeches Analyzed