Agenda Profile: Raimond Kaljulaid
Minister of Defence's 2024 Report on the Implementation of the State's Long-Term Development Strategy "Estonia 2035"
2024-09-11
Fifteenth Riigikogu, fourth session, plenary session
Political Position
The political platform is heavily focused on national defense and security, calling for a sustained increase in defense spending to 4–5% of GDP, citing the growing threat and imperialistic designs of the Russian Federation. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of fair burden-sharing, both among NATO member states and domestically, with a preference for wealthier individuals contributing to the funding sources for defense expenditures. The threat assessment is urgent and value-driven, positioning democratic nations against authoritarian Russia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates authority in the field of national defense and security policy, utilizing specific statistical data (GDP percentages, NATO averages) and historical comparisons (the Cold War). The analysis of the Russian Federation’s threat assessments and ideological concepts (e.g., statements by Patriarch Kirill and Medvedev) is particularly thorough. Furthermore, the speaker is well-versed in the institutional procedures of the Riigikogu committees and the Ministry of Defense.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is serious and pressing, focusing on logical arguments and facts to underscore the gravity of the threat posed by the Russian Federation and the necessity of increasing defense expenditures. The speech is formal and analytical, containing both procedural remarks (such as requesting additional time) and sharp criticism regarding synchronization issues. Direct references are made to foreign policy events and statements (Kirill, US elections).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speech was delivered as part of the Minister of Defence’s presentation, demonstrating active involvement in the Riigikogu’s security and defence policy debates. The speaker referenced their work on the Social Democrats’ board (specifically the discussion on defence spending) and is keenly monitoring recent public and international events, such as Kirill’s statements and the Riigikogu members’ visit to China.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Criticism is aimed at the deficiencies in the institutional procedures and synchronization of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) concerning foreign and security policy. The Speaker of the Riigikogu (Lauri Hussar) and the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee (Marko Mihkelson) are particularly sharply criticized for their retroactive condemnation of the China visit, which is being labeled an embarrassing debate. Conversely, the opposition party Isamaa is being recognized for offering solutions regarding the funding sources for defense expenditures.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is pragmatic: Isamaa's initiatives regarding the provision of cover sources are praised, and good personal cooperation with the Minister of Defense is acknowledged. However, there is a strong demand for improving inter-institutional synchronization and coordination both within the Riigikogu and between ministries, in order to avoid embarrassing situations and ensure the swift flow of critical information.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on international security issues (NATO burden sharing, the US focus on China) and the threat posed by the Russian Federation toward the Baltics and Finland. Domestically, attention is directed toward improving defense expenditures and the operational procedures of the Riigikogu. Estonia is viewed as part of the West and as a target for the restoration of the Russian empire.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It strongly supports a massive increase in national defense spending, raising it to 4–5% of GDP. Fiscally, it prefers covering these costs progressively, emphasizing that the wealthiest people in Estonia should contribute the most. This is necessary to ensure a fair distribution of the burden domestically and to avoid placing undue strain on low-income residents or the middle class.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In the social sector, the principle of fair burden sharing is emphasized when financing defense expenditures. The speaker's position is to protect the lowest-income residents and the middle class from additional tax burdens, channeling these costs toward contributions from wealthier individuals.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is centered on the sustained increase in defense spending and improving the operational procedures of the Riigikogu (Parliament) within the security sector. The objective is to ensure that critical information (such as military advice from the Commander of the Defense Forces) reaches the Riigikogu quickly, and to improve the prior coordination of foreign and security policy decisions in order to prevent subsequent conflicts.
2 Speeches Analyzed