Session Profile: Eerik-Niiles Kross
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session.
2024-06-11
Political Position
The political position is strongly value-based, focusing on the crisis of democracy in Georgia and its government’s anti-Western trajectory. The view is put forward that Georgia has violated its EU accession agreements, necessitating tough measures such as freezing aid and suspending visa-free travel. This is framed as a necessity to stand up for the interests of the Georgian people (who support the EU) and the Estonian sphere of values. The speaker acknowledges previous diplomatic failure (likening it to mistakes made concerning Russia) and calls for the escalation of the situation.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in Eastern European geopolitics, particularly concerning Georgia-Russia relations and Georgian domestic politics since 2008. Detailed historical examples are utilized (the 2012 visa waiver, the cooling of relations with Ukraine in 2014), and references are made to international expert bodies such as the Venice Commission. Specific emphasis is placed on the similarity between the foreign agents law and the Russian equivalent, and its stated goal of eliminating the "fifth column."
14 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is serious, analytical, and concerned, incorporating both personal feelings (related to the events of 2008) and geopolitical logic. Historical parallels and metaphors are used (such as the relationship between former political prisoners, and the story of furnishing an apartment) to explain the deterioration of relations between Georgia and the West. It is emphasized that diplomacy has failed and that counter-escalation is necessary, based on the principle that "the worse, the better."
14 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's course of action is connected with the preparation and submission of the Riigikogu statement. Mentioned are video conferences with the Estonian Ambassador in Tbilisi and recurring consultations with Ministry of Foreign Affairs diplomats during the preparation of the draft statement.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the Georgian government (Ivanishvili’s circle), which is accused of deviating from the democratic path, making anti-Western statements, and drifting into Russia’s sphere of influence. Criticism is also being extended to Western countries, including Estonia, for their previous excessive leniency toward Russia and Georgia. A compromise with the Georgian leadership is ruled out because diplomacy is no longer effective.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation is emphasized at the level of the statement signatories and the Foreign Affairs Committee, as well as with other Western countries and European institutions (the European Parliament, EEA/EFTA). The objective is to achieve a unified, coordinated Western response to the actions of the Georgian government, supporting the United States' lead in imposing sanctions.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly international and geopolitical, concentrating on the relations between Georgia, Ukraine, and Russia. The topic is directly framed as the defense of Estonia's value space and security interests, aimed at preventing Georgia from drifting into Moscow's sphere of influence.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic stance focuses solely on utilizing foreign aid as a tool for political leverage, advocating for the freezing of assistance—both Estonian (nearly 20 million euros) and European Union aid—to the Georgian government. Furthermore, they support suspending visa-free travel so that the Georgian people receive a clear message regarding the consequences of their government's actions.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues have been addressed within the context of Georgian civil society and human rights, criticizing the harassment of the opposition, the restriction of media freedom, and violence against demonstrators. Support is provided to Georgian civil society (NGOs) in opposition to the government, even if cooperation with the government is frozen.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the adoption of the Riigikogu declaration concerning the crisis of democracy in Georgia. The speaker is the initiator and a strong supporter of this declaration, which demands specific sanctions and the freezing of aid from the Estonian government and the European Union.
14 Speeches Analyzed