Agenda Profile: Leo Kunnas
First Reading of the Draft Resolution (274 OE) of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Prepare and Restore a Militarized Border Guard as a Separate Agency"
2024-04-03
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly focused on supporting the restoration of a militarized border guard as a separate agency, viewing the 2014 merger of agencies (PPA) as a mistake based on an erroneous threat assessment regarding Russia. The emphasis is placed on conceptual problems in state governance and the need to improve security policy, as the function of border protection has been relegated to a secondary role. The political framework is clearly driven by policy and security concerns.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in security structures and concepts of state governance, comparing the processes of establishing and merging agencies within the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Defence. They use specific examples (the Centre for Defence Investments, the Defence Resources Agency) to illustrate structural inconsistencies. Furthermore, they possess knowledge of historical shifts in security policy (NATO threat assessments prior to 2014) and contemporary threats (Ukraine, Hamas).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is analytical, structured, and critical, focusing on logical arguments and conceptual deficiencies within state governance. The tone is serious, emphasizing the urgency of the situation by referencing international crises (Ukraine, Hamas) as evidence of the erroneous nature of previous decisions. The speaker employs a structured presentation, addressing three key aspects: history, the comparison of structures, and proposed solutions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
According to the data, the speaker actively participated in the Riigikogu session, presenting both a question concerning the security situation (regarding the Narva border post) and a longer, comprehensive report on the draft legislation. He/She also requested additional time to present his/her views.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is directed at previous governments and the lack of a state governance concept, specifically faulting the prime ministers who failed to insist on the establishment of a comprehensive governance framework. The critique itself is conceptual and structural, focusing on "siloization" and the error of merging agencies, rather than being personal.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker demonstrates a collegial style of cooperation by praising colleague Alar Laneman’s lengthy and comprehensive presentation. He also quotes another valued colleague from the committee, Meelis Kiili, emphasizing the importance of vision and conceptualization.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national security and conceptual issues of state governance that affect the entire country. To emphasize the importance of the border guard function, specific examples mentioned include the Narva border station and the Sõprus Bridge.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data. The discussion focuses on organizational and security policy issues, not economic policy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Regarding social issues, the speaker focuses on internal security and the role of the police in a crisis, emphasizing the necessity of preparing the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) to fulfill roles during armed internal conflict and wartime. He/She refers to the "green men" as a threat that the police should address.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is on Bill 274 OE, which addresses the restoration of the militarized border guard as a separate agency. The speaker is a strong advocate and proponent of this proposal, also suggesting the full militarization of the entire Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) as an alternative solution, should the initial bill fail to gain support.
3 Speeches Analyzed