Session Profile: Jaanus Karilaid
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-03-26
Political Position
The political focus is heavily centered on national security and countering Kremlin influence in Estonia, particularly regarding the Moscow Patriarchate. The speaker strongly backs the draft legislation aimed at removing this Kremlin extension from the leadership of the Orthodox Church, citing geopolitical realities and Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine as justification. These positions are deeply rooted in core values and security concerns, underscoring the necessity of dismantling a structure that serves as part of Russia's hybrid warfare arsenal.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise on security policy and foreign influence, directly linking the Moscow Patriarchate to Russia's arsenal of hybrid weapons. He references international documents, citing the resolution of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), which treats Patriarch Kirill as an ideological extension of the Putin regime. Furthermore, he refers to the expert opinion of the Ministry of Interior, which completely aligns with the position of Isamaa.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is persuasive, direct, and at times urgent, employing strong security warnings and historical parallels (Soviet occupation, fascist motifs). The speaker uses rhetorical questions to cast doubt on the opponents' motives ("Who benefits from this?") and contrasts his own positions with the spreading of "malicious falsehoods." He begins the speech with rare and effusive praise for the Social Democrats, subsequently establishing a unified, pro-security tone.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is insufficient data regarding the frequency or regularity of appearances, apart from participation in one plenary session, where he/she raised both a procedural question concerning additional time and delivered a longer substantive speech.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are those who spread the claim about restricting religious freedom, which the speaker labels a malicious lie, intimidation, and an attempt to divide society. Criticism is also aimed at those who question the funding allocated for security or the speed of the constitution's "Estonianization," implying that they are serving someone else's interests. Furthermore, he criticizes Varro (likely Varro Vooglaid) for being absent from the chamber during a critical constitutional vote.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes cross-party cooperation and gives exceptional praise to the Social Democrats (SDE) for two different issues, noting that this level of recognition is the limit of what is seen in decades. He acknowledges SDE for taking a statesmanlike step in amending the constitution (which was achieved with the support of five parties) and commends them for the planning and preparation of the current draft bill. The style of cooperation is open and appreciative in achieving consensus on security matters.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly at the national and international level, examining Estonia’s geopolitical location, history (the Soviet occupation), and relations with the eastern state. Mention is also made of a similar process initiated a couple of years ago in the Latvian Saeima, and reference is given to the resolution of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views show only strong support for increasing the funding allocated to security, while criticizing those who argue that "we are giving too much money to security." This points to the prioritization of security expenditures.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is the balance between religious freedom and national security. The speaker categorically denies restricting religious freedom, stressing that the goal is to remove the Kremlin administration from the church's governance. He employs a strong moral framework, linking the opposing side's ideology (Russkiy Mir) to fascist motives and war crimes.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on passing a bill aimed at removing the administration of the Moscow Patriarchate, a measure strongly backed by the Isamaa party to enhance security. Furthermore, the speaker points to a recent success concerning the constitutional amendment, which he also supported the passage of. He stresses that this bill establishes the necessary preconditions for improving the security environment.
2 Speeches Analyzed