Agenda Profile: Eerik-Niiles Kross
Continuation of the first reading of the Draft Statement of the Riigikogu "On declaring the Moscow Patriarchate an institution supporting the military aggression of the Russian Federation" (Bill 420 AE)
2024-05-06
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session.
Political Position
The political position strongly supports the Riigikogu statement, which offers a political assessment of the Moscow Patriarchate (MP) as an institution that incites aggression and calls state borders into question. This viewpoint is value-based and security-focused, underscoring the necessity of responding to the MP’s radical *Russki Mir* ideology, which has been incorporated into Russia’s national strategic documents. The speaker believes that the state must inevitably issue a political assessment of an institution that openly incites war.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise regarding the ideology of *Russki Mir*, its historical development, and the symbiosis between the Moscow Patriarchate and the Kremlin. He utilizes technical terminology and references authoritative sources, such as Russia's 2023 Foreign Policy Concept and articles from the journal Orthodox Times, to substantiate his claims. The scope of his expertise also includes the organizational structure of the World Russian People's Council and its connection to Patriarch Kirill.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style of the speech is formal, analytical, and logical, focusing on refuting misconceptions and presenting detailed evidence (quotations from declarations and state documents). The tone is serious and businesslike, emphasizing the necessity of providing a political assessment while simultaneously calling upon the government to act reasonably. The speaker uses direct quotations to demonstrate the radical nature of the ideology (e.g., "holy war," "destroy all attempts to create universal hegemony in the world").
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the ongoing Riigikogu debate, referencing their attendance at the previous Thursday session where they listened to the questions and objections raised by the deputies. This pattern of activity demonstrates a focus on supporting the current bill (420 AE) and clarifying its underlying principles.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
This opposition is aimed at colleagues who have expressed surprise or presented misunderstandings regarding the basis of the declaration, claiming that the Moscow Patriarchate has nothing to do with the People's Assembly. The criticism is fact-based, correcting the opponents’ perception of the symbiosis between the MP and the *Russki Mir* ideology, and refuting the claims that the Kremlin has somehow taken the church hostage.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker expresses hope that the Government of the Republic and the Minister of the Interior will proceed reasonably in their future steps, taking into account the interests of the Estonian people, and notes a desire for constructive cooperation with the executive branch. He stresses that the government must protect the right of Orthodox congregations to religious freedom, thereby demonstrating concern for citizens' interests.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The main focus is on international and national security, analyzing Russia's foreign policy and the geographical reach of the *Russki Mir* ideology, which includes Belarus, Ukraine, and Moldova. Domestically, attention is centered on the situation of Estonian Orthodox congregations and the community, and the protection of their religious freedom.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues addressed include freedom of religion and national security, emphasizing the need to protect the right of Estonian Orthodox congregations to choose their affiliation. It is simultaneously stressed that the state must provide a political assessment of any institution that incites aggression, thereby balancing the demands of religious freedom and national security.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is supporting the Riigikogu statement (Draft 420 AE), which aims to provide a political assessment of the Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate as an institution supporting military aggression. The speaker is a strong proponent and advocate of this initiative, emphasizing its inevitability.
1 Speeches Analyzed