Agenda Profile: Aleksei Jevgrafov
The Situation at the Narva Border
2024-09-11
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, press briefing.
Political Position
This political stance centers on strong opposition to the Interior Minister's decision to close the Narva border crossing overnight, a move that has resulted in long queues and left people stranded. The critique is aimed specifically at this administrative decision and its negative consequences for the public, highlighting both the logistical and humanitarian dimensions. The speaker contrasts their focus on the needs of the people with the Minister's focus on Russia, placing practical execution above all else.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed expertise in border management and logistics, citing specific waiting times (6–8 hours), the pattern of bus arrivals, and previous ministry decisions (the closure of Narva-2 in 2022). Social media correspondence is used as evidence, and the minister's earlier statements are quoted.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, critical, and insistent, highlighting the seriousness of the issue and the suffering of the people. Both logical arguments (specific times and queue numbers) and emotional appeals are employed, citing examples from Facebook correspondence to lend credibility to the claims.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Although data is limited, active participation in the work of the Riigikogu is evident, with two questions aimed at resolving the border issue being submitted on the same day. This pattern of activity points to the swift raising of a specific and current topic.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary conflict is with the Minister of the Interior, whose decisions regarding the closure of border crossing points are widely viewed as failures and inhumane. The criticism is aimed at the minister’s administrative decisions and priorities, specifically alleging that the minister is focusing on Russia rather than on the people.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily regional, concentrating on the specific problems of the Narva-Ivangorod border crossing and the impact on the city of Narva, where people are forced to stay overnight. It highlights the suffering of border crossers (both Estonian residents and foreigners) specifically in this region.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is directed towards ensuring the welfare and logistical support of border crossers (both Estonian residents and foreigners). Emphasis is placed on the need to resolve the humanitarian situation where people are left without overnight accommodation, prioritizing the comfort of citizens and those with residence permits.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently aimed at changing the operational organization of existing border crossing points (specifically, the decision to close them overnight) and considering the possibility of reopening the Narva-2 pedestrian crossing for individuals holding residence permits. The overall goal is to ease queues and improve the conditions for crossing the border.
2 Speeches Analyzed