Agenda Profile: Ando Kiviberg
First reading of the draft statement of the Riigikogu "In Support of the People of Georgia" (564 AE)
2025-01-22
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session.
Political Position
The political position is strongly value-based, emphasizing Estonia's fundamental constitutional values—freedom, fairness, and the rule of law—both domestically and in foreign policy. The speaker strongly supports the Riigikogu's statement in support of the Georgian people, viewing the actions of the Georgian government as a threat to democracy and the spread of the Kremlin regime's influence. He emphasizes that Estonia must react, as the developments in Georgia pose a security threat to the entire free world.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in international development cooperation, highlighting personal experience gained from conducting consultations and training programs in Georgia, Armenia, Moldova, and Ukraine. Furthermore, they exhibit detailed knowledge of the objectives and content of the OSCE election observation report, utilizing it to counter opposing arguments and substantiate claims of electoral irregularities.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is serious, concerned, and at times sharply condemnatory ("with deep sorrow"). The style combines emotional appeals (referencing cultural sympathy for Georgia and the violence occurring there) with logical argumentation, particularly through the analysis of the OSCE report. When criticizing opponents, he/she is intense, accusing them of spreading Kremlin viewpoints and engaging in "brazen lying."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is addressing the Riigikogu chamber during the first reading of a statement focused on legislative matters, representing the stance of the Eesti 200 faction. Previously, he/she worked in the field of development cooperation and is a member of the Estonia-Georgia parliamentary group, indicating a long-standing involvement in foreign policy partnerships.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is directed against opposition members of the Riigikogu who are spreading pro-Kremlin views and denying the democratic backsliding occurring in Georgia. The criticism is extremely intense and personal, accusing them of either ignorance or deliberate lying, and linking their actions to "spreading the positions of the Kremlin's bandit regime." The speaker hints that the opponents dream of arresting and torturing their political rivals.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is acting on behalf of the faction, calling for support for the appeal presented in the name of the Eesti 200 faction. The cooperation style is faction-based, focused on achieving consensus regarding a foreign policy matter concerning the protection of democracy and human rights.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is heavily international, centering on the former Soviet-occupied countries (Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Belarus). Georgia is viewed both as a deeply valued cooperation partner and as a security threat to Estonia should democracy there backslide into a dictatorship.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views are limited only to a general reference to Estonia's success in building a "functioning society" and a "successful economy" after the Soviet yoke, based on freedom and the rule of law. Specific positions on taxes, spending, or regulations are not presented in the speech.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus of social issues is directed at the human rights violations and political violence taking place in Georgia, including the beating of journalists and demonstrators, torture in detention facilities, and the intimidation of voters. The speaker strongly advocates for the protection of civil liberties and the principles of the rule of law, opposing the oppression characteristic of dictatorships.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on supporting the Riigikogu's statement, "In Support of the Georgian People" (564 AE), during its first reading. The Speaker is a staunch proponent and advocate of this address, underscoring the necessity of responding to the regression of democracy in Georgia.
2 Speeches Analyzed