Agenda Profile: Eerik-Niiles Kross
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-driven, emphasizing the conflict between the free world and the autocratic world, and the necessity of responding to autocratic trends in a timely manner. The speaker vigorously supports the European aspirations of the Georgian people and demands new free elections, opposing the pro-Russian course and systemic repression of Georgia’s ruling regime (Georgian Dream). He considers the de facto government of Georgia illegitimate, as the elections were neither free nor fair and do not reflect the true choices of the people.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough expertise regarding the decline of Georgia’s domestic politics and the rule of law since 2012, linking this to the failure to react to Russian aggressions in Europe. He/She relies on the assessments of international institutions (OSCE, the European Parliament, the Venice Commission) and meticulously documents the methods of repression (torture, perjury in court). The speaker also analyzes Russia’s changed tactics in the Caucasus (soft absorption) and Georgia’s geopolitical importance following the withdrawal of the Russian Navy from Tartus.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is serious, analytical, and persuasive, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and drawing historical parallels (the Stalin era, Maidan). The speaker employs a moral appeal, referring to the statement as "a friend's statement," but is simultaneously frank in evaluating the choices made by the Georgian Dream. When responding to criticism, the speaker is occasionally dismissive, labeling opponents' arguments as "whataboutism" and a distraction from the topic (culture wars).
12 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The course of action focuses on initiating and discussing the Riigikogu's foreign policy statements, referencing a similar statement made in the summer of 2024. The speaker actively participates in the debate, answering questions and clarifying the details of the statement. He/She also refers to the discussion of issues concerning Georgia in the Foreign Affairs Committee and the breaking off of contacts with the top leadership of the Georgian Dream party.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is directed against Georgia’s ruling regime, which is accused of losing legitimacy, drifting into Russia’s sphere of influence, and engaging in state-organized violence. Within the Riigikogu, the speaker criticizes those attempting to minimize or marginalize the Georgian crisis, rejecting their efforts to introduce culture wars into the discussion or to question the existence of established international facts.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes solidarity with the Georgian people, the opposition, and the legitimate president Salome Zourabichvili, supporting their three main demands. Internationally, common positions with Europe's major political families (EPP, Socialists, ALDE) are stressed, as is the need to achieve consensus in Europe regarding new elections. He/She mentions that Estonia has supported Georgia in Brussels, often against the wishes of larger allies.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strongly international and regional, concentrating on Georgia's political course and its impact on the security of the South Caucasus. Emphasis is placed on Georgia's position in the conflict between the free world and autocracies, as well as Russia's efforts to maintain control south of the Caucasus.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data
12 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker focuses on human rights violations in Georgia, specifically citing the torture of protesters, the existence of political prisoners, and the restriction of free media. They dismiss attempts to introduce culture war topics pertaining to Estonia (such as trans rights) into the debate, considering them irrelevant in the context of the Georgian crisis.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the adoption of a political statement by the Riigikogu, which would provide Estonia with guidelines for assessing developments in Georgia and support the demands of the Georgian people. The statement includes a recommendation to strongly restrict relations with the de facto government and emphasizes the need to hold internationally monitored free elections in Georgia.
12 Speeches Analyzed