Agenda Profile: Raimond Kaljulaid
Second reading of the draft resolution (486 OE) of the Riigikogu regarding the extension of the term of use of the Defence Forces in fulfilling Estonia's international obligations in a post-conflict peacekeeping operation in Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and Syria.
2024-12-04
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance is firmly focused on protecting Estonia's security interests through international cooperation, strongly supporting participation in JEF and joint missions with France. Opposition to security measures, such as voting against participation in JEF, is directly labeled as action hostile to Estonia's independence and interests. These positions are strongly value-based, emphasizing allied loyalty and the guarantee of security.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in defense and security policy, specifically referencing the activation of the JEF (Joint Expeditionary Force) crisis response capability in November 2023 and its objectives in the Baltic Sea. The commitment of the United Kingdom to contribute a brigade to the Estonian division is also highlighted, along with the legal mechanism for revoking the Riigikogu mandate.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative and sharply oppositional, especially towards the EKRE faction, who are branded as "noisy trolls" and "shouters." Strong emotional accusations are employed, including the spreading of Kremlin narratives and engaging in "tasteless and stupid attention seeking." The style is formal, but it is interrupted by repeated procedural interventions aimed at maintaining order.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity involves active participation in the Riigikogu session, where the initial focus is repeatedly addressing procedural issues, criticizing the presiding officer for failing to maintain order. Subsequently, attention shifts to the substantive discussion of the draft bill and refuting the arguments put forth by opponents.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponents are the EKRE faction and its members (Mart Helme, Varro Vooglaid), who face fierce criticism regarding both their political positions and their conduct. They are accused of acting against Estonia’s security interests, undermining NATO cooperation, and echoing Kremlin narratives. The confrontation is intense, and compromise is out of the question, as the opponents' actions are viewed as anti-state.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative approach strongly emphasizes allied relations, particularly with the United Kingdom and France, noting that joint missions have elevated defense cooperation to a whole new level. Within the Riigikogu, there is no mention of a willingness to compromise, focusing instead on the harsh criticism of opponents.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is heavily international and national. Emphasis is placed on Estonia’s participation in peacekeeping operations in the Middle East (Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Syria), as well as the role of the JEF (Joint Expeditionary Force) in ensuring the security of the Baltic Sea and the Danish straits and protecting underwater infrastructure.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are addressed only indirectly, by referencing Mart Helme’s alleged position that defense forces personnel are “mercenaries fighting under the rainbow flag,” and using this statement to attack and discredit the opponent.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently directed towards the draft bill concerning the extension of the mandate for deploying the defense forces in Middle East peacekeeping operations, as well as Estonia's participation in the JEF. The speaker is a strong supporter of these bills, emphasizing their direct link to guaranteeing Estonia's security.
8 Speeches Analyzed