Session Profile: Anti Haugas
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary sitting
2025-02-19
Political Position
The political focus is on limiting the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) in Estonia, strongly supporting a draft bill that obligates religious institutions to bring their subordination relationships into compliance with Estonian laws. This position is value-based, emphasizing the necessity of not submitting to the leadership of an aggressor and war criminal (Patriarch Kirill). The speaker views the legal amendment as a means to protect Estonian Orthodox believers from the ideology of the "Russkiy Mir" (Russian World).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the canonical relations and legal structures of the Orthodox Church, referencing specific details of the Pühtitsa Convent's charter and the historical flexibility of canonical ties. Knowledge of Ukrainian legislation concerning the annulment of subordination to the Moscow Patriarchate is also presented. Specific data on the victims of the war in Ukraine is utilized (circa 250,000 dead), and reference is made to Kirill's ideological concepts ("holy war").
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is serious and forceful, employing strongly condemnatory language against the Patriarch of Moscow (who is referred to as a war criminal and aggressor) and his activities. The speaker balances emotional references to war crimes (rape, fatalities) with legal and fact-based arguments (analysis of the charter, content of the draft law). The presentation is formal and persuasive, with the goal of mobilizing support.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker attended the Legal Affairs Committee meeting the previous day, where the draft bill under consideration was discussed and where significant input was received from the representative of the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church. The presentation took place at the Riigikogu plenary session, focusing on supporting the specific draft law.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opposition is aimed at Moscow Patriarch Kirill and his aggressive ideology. He is being called a war criminal and is urging support for the "holy war" against Ukraine. Criticism is also being leveled at local organizations, such as the Foundation for the Protection of Family and Tradition, which support the continued presence of Kirill's authority in Estonia. Opponents are being strongly labeled, with references made to their involvement in war crimes.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker confirms the Reform Party faction’s support for the bill and urges all Riigikogu members to support it, noting the broad-based backing it has received. They also reference the views of the previous speaker (Ando Kiviberg), stating that they are in complete agreement with those points.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on international security threats (the war in Ukraine, Moscow’s influence) and addressing them at the national level (Estonian legislation). Specifically, the Pühtitsa Convent is mentioned as a religious institution located in Estonia whose lines of subordination need to be regulated.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the subordination of religious institutions and religious freedom, emphasizing that Russian Orthodox believers in Estonia should not have to submit to a war criminal, but must have the right to autonomous operation. Russian-speaking Orthodox believers are being separated from the political leadership of the Moscow Patriarchate.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on supporting a specific draft bill that regulates the governance structure of religious institutions, mandating that they align their charters with the laws of the Republic of Estonia. The speaker is a strong proponent of this bill and views it as an opportunity to simplify the process by which religious institutions can achieve autonomy.
2 Speeches Analyzed