Session Profile: Meelis Kiili
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-06-04
Political Position
The political position is strongly focused on national defense and deterrence. The speaker firmly supports withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention to provide the Defense Forces with additional capabilities for Estonia's military defense. This stance is justified by the need to deter an enemy that employs brutal weapons, and it is framed by core values (a free and sovereign state). In the speaker's assessment, Estonia has neither the time nor the territory to concede.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the fields of national defense and military strategy, citing both the Ottawa Convention and classical military doctrine (Sun Tzu). The importance of combining deterrence, physical resources, and intellectual capability is emphasized. Specific terminology, such as "brutal weapons" and "interdiction," is used.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is serious, direct, and at times confrontational, especially when addressing skeptics. It employs both logical arguments (possibility versus obligation) and emotional appeals (Estonia has no territory to cede). The argumentation is supported by historical wisdom (Sun Zi), emphasizing that the highest art of war is to win the war without fighting battles.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is insufficient data regarding the frequency of occurrence. This is a speech delivered during a plenary session, focused on supporting a specific bill. The tone of the speech is argumentative and concludes with a direct call to vote.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Direct opposition is mounted against "skeptics" and those who criticize the strategic thinking of the Defence Forces, based on the claim that the generals are "fighting the last war." The criticism focuses on political short-sightedness and inadequate preparedness. Opponents are admonished to remember the brutal actions of the eastern neighbor in Ukraine.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It refers to colleagues who have already addressed the topic, demonstrating awareness of the coalition’s or faction’s unified position. Finally, a direct appeal is made to those present in the chamber to vote in favor of the bill, which indicates the seeking of support.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily placed on national security and the international threat landscape, highlighting the eastern neighbor's actions in Ukraine as a source of direct threat. Emphasis is placed on the absolute necessity of defending Estonian territory and deterring the enemy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are not addressed; the focus is entirely on national security, military preparedness, and the defense of sovereignty. The necessity of protecting a free and sovereign state against brutal means is emphasized.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is supporting the draft bill for withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention. The speaker is a strong proponent, emphasizing that this provides the Defense Forces with additional capabilities for fulfilling their military defense mandate.
1 Speeches Analyzed