Agenda Profile: Leo Kunnas
Interpellation concerning the enhancement of the wartime indirect fire capability of the Defense Forces (No. 72)
2024-01-15
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session.
Political Position
The political position is strongly focused on improving national defense and military readiness, demanding a rapid and substantial increase in indirect fire capabilities (artillery, mortars). He/She criticizes previous "affordable national defense" plans and emphasizes the necessity of raising defense expenditure above 3.2% of GDP, arguing that the current level includes aid to Ukraine and replacement costs. The stance is results-oriented, concentrating on eliminating critical military capability gaps.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep technical expertise in the field of national defense and artillery, presenting himself as a "career military officer" and offering military advice. He uses specific terminology (Kõu, HIMARS, loitering aerial munition) and quantitative comparisons (the number of weapon systems in Estonia vs. Finland, the calculation of being knocked out of action for 30–40 days). He provides detailed recommendations regarding the structure of the division's artillery regiment and weapon systems (wheeled artillery).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is expert, urgent, and advisory, emphasizing logical arguments and military necessities. Although the address is a formal inquiry, the speaker offers direct military advice to the Prime Minister, stressing the immediate need for decisions to be made to avoid a dangerous situation. The tone is critical regarding the speed of decision-making, yet constructive in offering solutions.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity involves submitting inquiries (the current one was submitted in May) and active communication with defense sector officials. The speaker refers to a phone call with Chancellor Kusti Salm regarding replacement plans, which demonstrates proactive engagement outside the parliamentary chamber.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at the government and the prime minister, who stand accused of a sluggish decision-making process and inadequate funding for developing indirect fire capabilities. It is specifically highlighted that the current government is merely executing decisions made by previous administrations and has failed to establish an adequate replacement plan for the weapons systems donated to Ukraine. The criticism is both policy-based and procedural.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on national defense capability (the Estonian Division, brigades, and territorial defense units) and the international context. The speaker uses the capabilities of the Finnish Defence Forces as a comparison and emphasizes the necessity of continued military support for Ukraine.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It supports a substantial increase in defense expenditures and views the defense industry as a tool for economic revitalization. It recommends considering the domestic manufacturing of explosives and ammunition of various calibers (155mm, 120mm, 81mm) in order to provide a positive impetus to the economy and replace the anti-tank mines that have been transferred.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed toward accelerating the defense forces' development plans and making strategic budget decisions (RES). The speaker demands the immediate initiation of procurement processes for establishing divisional artillery (wheeled howitzers) and for modernizing (mechanizing) the mortar batteries of infantry battalions.
4 Speeches Analyzed