Session Profile: Eerik-Niiles Kross
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session.
2024-05-06
Political Position
The most prominent stance is the strong condemnation of the political activities and the *russki mir* ideology of the Moscow Patriarchate Orthodox Church (MPÕK), as it openly incites aggression and calls state borders into question. It is emphasized that the Riigikogu must necessarily provide a political assessment of this institution, distinguishing it from religious freedom. The position is firmly rooted in values, focusing on security and the protection of international law.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
High expertise is demonstrated in the analysis of the *russki mir* ideology, the structure of the Moscow Patriarchate, and Russia’s strategic documents. Specific terminology is employed, and concrete quotes (e.g., "holy war," "Katechon mission") and external sources (Orthodox Times) are referenced, indicating a profound level of knowledge. A detailed overview of the World Russian People’s Council’s connections with the Patriarchate is presented, successfully debunking common misconceptions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speech is analytical, explanatory, and serious in tone, focusing on refuting misconceptions and presenting facts. The style is formal and logical, relying heavily on citing documents and historical background to justify the necessity of a political assessment. Avoiding emotional appeals, the legal and secular viewpoint is emphasized.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data is only available for one speech given during a plenary session, which involved participation during the continuation of the Thursday debate.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is directed at the institution of the Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate and its leader, Kirill, for having embraced the radical *russkiy mir* ideology. The criticism is both ideological and political, stressing that the church has been transformed into a tool for justifying aggression and genocide. Furthermore, the mutual exploitation between the Kremlin and the Patriarchate, which has resulted in a symbiosis of ideologies, is also being criticized.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative approach is directed towards the government and the Minister of the Interior, expressing the hope that they will act reasonably in future steps and take the interests of the Estonian people into account. The necessity of resolving this complex issue at the national level is emphasized.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is international, analyzing Russia's ideology and foreign policy concerning Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova. This is directly linked to the security of the Estonian state and the future of the local Orthodox congregations, connecting the external threat with the necessity of a domestic political assessment.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Regarding social issues, strong emphasis is placed on the need to protect the religious freedom of Estonian Orthodox congregations and their right to independently choose their affiliation. At the same time, religious freedom is distinguished from the political activities of the institution that incite war.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the Riigikogu providing a political assessment of the Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. The objective is for the Government of the Republic and the Ministry of the Interior to initiate further reasonable steps to resolve the legal and security issues associated with the church institution.
1 Speeches Analyzed