Agenda Profile: Eerik-Niiles Kross
First Reading of the Riigikogu Draft Statement "On the Crisis of Democracy in Georgia" (449 AE)
2024-06-11
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session.
Political Position
The speaker adopts a strongly principled stance, supporting the Georgian people’s course toward the European Union and NATO (with 85% support) while opposing the Georgian government’s drift away from democracy. He deems it necessary to end the current lenient approach and demands specific punitive measures against the Georgian government (freezing aid, suspending visa-free travel, sanctions). This position is strongly aimed against the expansion of Russia's sphere of influence, viewing the Georgian government's actions as a copy of Moscow's tactics.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise regarding Georgia-Russia relations, European Union enlargement policy, and democracy standards. They utilize historical parallels (the 2008 war, the annexation of Crimea) and reference specific data (the number of Russian companies in Georgia, public support for the EU). Particular emphasis is placed on the expert opinion of the Venice Commission concerning the necessity of repealing the foreign agents law, which lends legal weight to the position.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone of the speech is serious, urgent, and expressive of regret, highlighting personal feelings concerning the friendship with Georgia ("a very sad statement," "it is painful to process this statement"). Logical arguments and historical comparisons (Western mistakes in relations with Russia) are employed, along with metaphors (the relationship between former political prisoners, advice on furnishing an apartment) to clarify the situation. The style is formal yet persuasive, underscoring the failure of diplomacy and the necessity of escalation.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active proponent and submitter of legislative initiatives, having participated in the preparation of the draft statement. He refers to his earlier involvement in assisting Georgia in 2008, as well as subsequent diplomatic consultations (a video conference with the Ambassador in Tbilisi, and meetings with diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). He is also associated with international parliamentary organizations (EMPAs).
14 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the Georgian government (Ivanishvili’s circle), which is accused of abandoning democratic values, harassing the opposition, and opting for neutrality that leans toward Russia. The criticism is policy- and value-based, accusing the government of violating agreements with the European Union. The speaker believes that the path of negotiations has been exhausted and diplomacy is not working, which is why sanctions and counter-escalation are necessary.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the need for cooperation with the European Union and the United States to impose sanctions against the Georgian government. He notes that the statement by the Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu) should be part of a broader Western reaction, taking on the role of the "bad cop." The focus of this cooperation is aimed at supporting Georgia's civil society, rather than engaging with the government.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker’s focus is strongly international and geopolitical, centering on Georgia’s path toward Europe and Russia’s influence in the South Caucasus. He/She directly links the situation in Georgia with the security and value system interests of Estonia. Other countries in the region (Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan) are also mentioned within a broader context.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker supports the use of economic and financial instruments to exert political pressure. He advocates freezing aid money from Estonia and the European Union intended for the Georgian government, as well as suspending visa-free travel, in order to send the Georgian people a clear message about the consequences of the government’s actions. Economic measures are clearly subordinated to foreign policy objectives.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker focuses on issues of civil society and human rights, criticizing the Georgian government's actions in harassing the opposition, detaining political prisoners, and restricting media freedom. Particular emphasis is placed on the threat posed by the foreign agents law to civil society, citing its similarity to the Russian law and the Venice Commission's assessment regarding the violation of fundamental rights.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the adoption of the Riigikogu statement titled "On the Crisis of Democracy in Georgia." The speaker is the initiator and a strong proponent of this initiative, which aims to call for specific foreign policy measures (sanctions, freezing of aid) against the Georgian government.
14 Speeches Analyzed