Agenda Profile: Leo Kunnas
First reading of the Draft Resolution (331 OE) of the Riigikogu titled: "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Obligate All Reservists to Permanently Keep Firearms at Home Along with a Considerable Quantity of Ammunition, and to Provide Reservists with Financial Assistance for This Purpose If Necessary"
2024-06-04
Fifteenth Riigikogu, third session, plenary sitting.
Political Position
The political position is strongly focused on enhancing national defense and mobilization readiness, vigorously supporting the proposal to allow reservists to keep their personal weapons at home. The speaker considers this initial step necessary due to the escalation of the security situation, emphasizing a policy- and system-based approach. He concedes that the political timing for this change is not yet ripe, but is confident that it will arrive soon.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the legal framework governing national defense, mobilization, and arms storage, citing the 30-year precedent set by the Kaitseliit (Defense League) and international examples (Israel, Switzerland). He/She addresses detailed aspects such as background check requirements (mental health, loyalty), the expansion of the role of the Defense Forces Intelligence Center, and logistical issues related to freeing up warehouse space.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is analytical, detailed, and substantive, focusing on logical arguments and the practical prerequisites necessary for implementing the system. The tone is serious and emphasizes the exacerbation of the security situation, yet remains realistic, noting that members of the Riigikogu are not sufficiently concerned about the escalation of the situation to support the draft bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Reference is made to participation in the work of the commission, where the Ministry of Defence was asked for an assessment of the draft bill's feasibility within the scope of current law. No other data regarding frequency or activity patterns is available.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary resistance targets political inertia and the insufficient sense of urgency among members of the Riigikogu (Parliament), which is preventing the bill from being passed. Furthermore, the position of the Ministry of Defence is cited, stating that current legislation does not permit the change without an extensive overhaul of the legal framework. The criticism is aimed at the lack of political will, rather than specific individuals.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style is pragmatic and systematic, emphasizing the necessity for extensive collaboration among the Defence Forces, the Defence Resources Agency, and the Internal Security Service to fulfill the requirements for background checks and oversight. It also envisages potential cooperation between the Commander of the Defence Forces and the Minister of Defence in determining the list of units.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national security and defense readiness, addressing the necessity of amending Estonia's mobilization system and legal framework. International examples (Israel, Switzerland) are used to substantiate the system. Regional or local focus is absent.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic aspects primarily focus on logistical efficiency, stressing that allowing weapons to be stored at home would free up a noticeable amount of storage space that could then be utilized for holding ammunition stocks. There is also mention of the possibility of offering financial assistance to reservists, if needed, for the storage of these weapons.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Regarding social issues, there is a strong emphasis on the need for more thorough background checks, which would cover mental health, criminal history, and loyalty to the constitutional order. This places the availability of weapons within a context of strict security and trustworthiness.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on initiating the Riigikogu resolution draft (331 OE), which would mandate reservists assigned to wartime posts to keep personal firearms at home. The speaker is the initiator and a strong proponent, emphasizing that although the draft's wording is not ideal, it is a necessary first step for moving forward.
1 Speeches Analyzed