Agenda Profile: Leo Kunnas
Chair implementation
2025-09-04
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
Political Position
The dominant themes are strengthening national defense, particularly restoring combat engineer capabilities and wartime reserves, and tightening security policy towards Russia. The political position is strongly critical of the government, demanding concrete answers and practical steps from the prime minister to address defense capability shortcomings. Value-based and security-driven demands are being put forward, such as considering the denunciation of the Ottawa Convention.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the fields of national defense and military training, employing specific terminology such as "engineer capability," "indirect fire capability," and "anti-tank mines." Detailed inquiries are made regarding the timeline and estimated cost for reconstituting the engineer assets transferred to Ukraine. Furthermore, the speaker shows knowledge of the technical legislative aspects pertaining to reservist training exercises and the utilization of coastal zones for national defense objectives.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is predominantly factual, demanding, and at times urgent, particularly concerning military training and security requirements. Logical appeals are employed, citing the experiences gained during the current phase of the Russia-Ukraine war as evidence supporting the necessity of political decisions. There is also a procedural protest demanding the substantive consideration of the inquiry.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active as a legislative initiator, submitting draft legislation both on behalf of the parliamentary group (EKRE) and as a representative of the National Defence Committee. This pattern of activity includes both scrutinizing the government through interpellations and the urgent processing of technical legislative amendments. The individual regularly appears at Riigikogu sessions to formally introduce bills.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Government of the Republic and Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, who are being pressed for answers regarding deficiencies in defense capability and the replenishment of reserves. The criticism is policy-driven, accusing the government of failing to take practical steps following the designation of Russia as a terrorist regime. A protest is also being lodged against the substantive consideration of the inquiry, citing procedural hurdles.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker acts both as a representative of their own parliamentary group (EKRE) and as the conveyor of the consensus decision reached by the National Defence Committee, demonstrating an ability to work effectively within the committee structure. Cross-party cooperation with the Parempoolsed Party in drafting the local government election law bill is also highlighted, underscoring the necessity of thorough legal analysis.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily placed on national security, national defense, and the domestic defense industry. The international context (the Russia-Ukraine war) serves as a crucial source of experience that is influencing national policies. The only element representing a local focus is the amendment to the local government election law.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
While the necessity of launching the production of military-grade explosives in Estonia and restoring the surrendered stockpiles is stressed (indicating support for increased defense spending), there is a lack of information concerning broader stances on taxation, regulation, or trade.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social and security issue is the restriction of voting rights in local elections for citizens of a state recognized as a terrorist regime by the Riigikogu. This stance sets security and national defense as a priority over civil rights.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priorities are enhancing national defense (amendments to the Electronic Communications Act and the Nature Conservation Act for training purposes) and restricting suffrage based on security concerns. The proponent is the initiator who seeks to resolve both technical issues related to defense forces training and politically sensitive security matters.
4 Speeches Analyzed