Agenda Profile: Raimond Kaljulaid
An inquiry regarding the hindrance of development in the defence industry (no 783)
2025-09-15
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting
Political Position
Stark criticism regarding the government's inaction and delays in the field of national defense, particularly concerning the delayed secondary legislation (implementing acts) of the Arms Act and the hindering of the defense industry's development. The importance of security and national defense is emphasized, accusing the ministry of inefficiency, lack of accountability, and lowering standards. The political framework is heavily performance-based, focusing on the government's omissions and mistakes.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates thorough knowledge of defense sector regulations (implementing acts of the Arms Act), procurement organization (the State Centre for Defence Investments, or RKIK), and management standards (language requirements C1 vs B2). It cites specific sources such as the National Audit Office report, the Nursipalu court decision, and the positions of the Defence Industry Association to support its criticism.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is sharp, urgent, and argumentative, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation in the context of the war waged by the neighbor. It employs logical appeals, referencing specific deadlines and the criticism leveled by experts (Taavi Veskimägi), and repeatedly poses rhetorical questions concerning the issue of responsibility. The style is formal, but also includes ironic remarks (e.g., regarding the chancellor's responsibility).
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
An active performer of parliamentary oversight, initiating a query on a significant security matter, although noting that the response arrived after an unreasonably long period (four months). References work on the National Defence Committee, where feedback was received from representatives of the defense industry, which prompted the submission of the query.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at the Minister of Defence (Hanno Pevkur) and the Ministry of Defence, citing delays, incompetent handling of affairs, and the establishment of low standards (specifically regarding the language requirements for the head of RKIK). The accusations are intense, suggesting that the lowering of standards may have been linked to giving a "green light" to a specific candidate.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
In the current context, the tone is confrontational, demanding that the government take responsibility and learn from its mistakes. It also points to previous successful cooperation with the Reform Party in the Tallinn city government, highlighting this as a positive example of speeding up procedures. It advises the government to learn from better performers, such as Tallinn and Lithuania.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It focuses on national security and the development of the Estonian defense industry. It also highlights the activities of the local government (Tallinn), recommending that the national government follow Tallinn's example in speeding up the processing of building permits. Lithuania and Vilnius are used as a positive comparison point regarding rapid development projects.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strongly supports the development of the defense industry and the facilitation of investments, seeing both economic and security benefits in reducing regulations. Criticizes bureaucratic obstacles and delays which, according to the Defense Industry Association, have resulted in lost investments.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
It focuses on the timely implementation of secondary legislation related to laws (the Arms Act) and the legal justification for government decisions (the Nursipalu court case). It calls for strengthening parliamentary oversight and emphasizes that, in a state governed by the rule of law, the government must provide sufficiently thorough justification for its decisions.
5 Speeches Analyzed