Agenda Profile: Signe Kivi
First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu (104 OE), titled "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Remove the So-Called Bronze Soldier Statue from Public Space"
2024-01-16
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political focus is currently on addressing the symbols of the Soviet occupation and their impact on the public space. Initially, caution was expressed regarding revisiting the issue of the Bronze Soldier statue, referencing the long time that had passed since the previous difficult decision. Following the reception of new information (the link to Putin's war of aggression), a broader approach is being supported, raising questions about the fate of other artworks that glorify the occupation, such as the ceiling painting in the Estonia Theatre.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the symbols of Soviet occupation and their impact on public space, distinguishing between sculpture groups and other works of art (e.g., a ceiling painting). They emphasize the importance of the historian's arguments and reference the government's previous "very difficult decision" when removing the statue. They recognize the argument in the explanatory memorandum that links the monument to Putin's war of aggression in Ukraine.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is polite, formal, and inquisitive, addressing the chair and the rapporteur with respect. The speaker presents their reservations cautiously, seeking specific and substantive arguments, and balancing personal opinion with factual evidence. An analytical approach is employed, broadening the discussion from the specific wording of the draft proposal to other similar works of art.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker participated in the Riigikogu session and actively posed questions during the first reading of the draft bill. They apologized for not being able to hear the preceding questions and answers from their room, indicating remote participation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
A direct confrontation with political opponents is avoided; criticism is aimed instead at the provocations that occurred near the monument and the linking of the monument to Russia's war of aggression. The speaker asks whether the time for provocations has passed, referencing the previously tense situation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Their collaborative style is open and inquisitive, seeking detailed explanations from the presenter and broadening the discussion to include other similar works of art. They express agreement with a key assertion in the draft's explanatory memorandum, which demonstrates a willingness to reach a consensus.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level, addressing the symbols of Soviet occupation in Estonia’s public space and their connection to the international context (Putin’s war of aggression in Ukraine). Specific local or regional topics are absent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue revolves around historical memory, national identity, and security, all of which are linked to the symbols of the Soviet occupation. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of addressing artworks that glorify the Soviet regime and are used to commemorate the war of aggression.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the Riigikogu's draft resolution concerning the removal of the Bronze Soldier statue. The speaker is acting as an inquirer, seeking justification for interfering with this specific statue and expanding the discussion to include other artworks that glorify the occupation (for example, the Estonia Theatre ceiling painting), in order to ensure a broader legal approach.
2 Speeches Analyzed