Agenda Profile: Meelis Kiili
Draft law (642 SE) on the withdrawal from the convention prohibiting the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines and requiring their destruction – second reading
2025-06-04
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position focuses heavily on national defense and deterrence, offering firm support for the draft resolution (642 SE) concerning withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention. The official stance is that Estonia must retain the ability to utilize all necessary means, including landmines, to prevent aggression from its eastern neighbor. This approach is pragmatic and security-driven, emphasizing that the highest art of war is winning the conflict without fighting battles. This policy is strongly geared toward enhancing the nation's defense capabilities and preserving its sovereignty.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of national defense, international conventions, and military strategy. This expertise is confirmed by a discussion regarding the role of landmines in deterrence and a reference to Sun Tzu's Art of War. He technically clarifies that withdrawing from the convention only grants the possibility, not the obligation, to utilize the weapons.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is serious, urgent, and directly confrontational, addressing the arguments of critics. It employs both emotional appeals (referencing the brutal enemy in Ukraine and cruel weaponry) and logical argumentation (Estonia has neither the time nor the territory to cede). The speech is formal and relies on historical wisdom (Sun Zi) to underscore the strategic objective.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Criticism is aimed at "skeptics" and those who consider landmines to be excessively cruel weapons or who accuse generals of employing outdated strategy. Opponents are criticized for their belief that equipping the defense forces with additional capabilities would be immoral or unnecessary. The attacks are based on policy and strategy, not personal grounds.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker refers approvingly to their colleagues who have already spoken in favor of the draft legislation, demonstrating collaboration within the faction or among the group of supporters. There is no indication of a willingness to compromise or any cross-party cooperation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on national security and the international threat landscape, especially the activities of the eastern neighbor. The direct threat stemming from Russia's aggression in Ukraine is emphasized, linking this to the need to defend Estonian territory.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The discussion of social issues touches upon the ethical dimension of warfare, acknowledging the inherent cruelty of weapons. The speaker’s position is that national security and the defense of sovereignty require the potential use of brutal means, if necessary, to effectively repel an enemy invasion.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the second reading of the bill on withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention (Bill 642 SE). The speaker is a strong proponent of the bill, urging colleagues to vote in favor of it to provide the Defence Forces with additional capabilities for military defense.
1 Speeches Analyzed