Agenda Profile: Leo Kunnas

Third Reading of the Draft Act on the Amendment of the Defence League Act and the Amendment of Other Acts Related Thereto (Bill 335 SE)

2024-04-10

15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session

Political Position
The speaker strongly endorses the amendments to the Defence League Act, deeming this the National Defence Committee's most crucial undertaking during the current session. This political stance is values-driven, emphasizing that the Defence League belongs to the people and its members, and stressing the necessity of preserving the organization's autonomy from both the Ministry of Defence and political parties. Furthermore, the speaker defends the effectiveness and essential nature of the committee's work against general criticism.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates authority in national defense and Defense League legislation, possessing a deep understanding of the Defense League's collegial central bodies (the Central Assembly, the Central Board, and the Council of Elders) and their role in ensuring stability. He references the Defense League's 30 years of stable development and uses a specific example (preventing the sale of a historic building) to illustrate the importance of the legislation. The expertise also encompasses the procedural work of the National Defense Committee and its role in the appointment of the Commander of the Defense Forces.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The discourse is formal, professional, and oriented toward cooperation, featuring extensive expressions of gratitude to various stakeholders. The style is logical and evidence-based, focusing on the successful outcome of the legislative process and the stable development of the Defence League (Kaitseliit). The tone is confident and persuasive, urging support for the draft legislation while affirming the thoroughness of the work completed and the achievement of the best possible result.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active member of the National Defense Committee, heavily involved in the legislative process, which included five sittings for the specific draft bill in question. In addition to lawmaking, the speaker is also engaged in high-level national defense issues, such as the process of appointing the new Commander of the Defense Forces. He/She refers to the committee's significant presence of career military personnel, which facilitates effective work.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker dismisses the general criticism aimed at the commission's pace and efficiency, asserting that the commission is simply carrying out its duties. He also references earlier "stray ideas" originating from the Ministry of Defense—for instance, the proposal to sell the Defense League (Kaitseliit) building—which was opposed by the central organs of the Kaitseliit, thereby demonstrating institutional resistance to the ministry's drastic plans.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker highlighted the strong and successful cooperation, thanking the National Defence Committee, the Headquarters of the Defence League, and the Ministry of Defence for their joint efforts in drafting the bill. The cooperation was characterized by an open and appreciative style, also acknowledging the contribution of former Defence League commanders and colleagues (such as Meelis Kiili) in maintaining a consistent direction.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the third reading of the draft bill amending the Defence League Act (335 SE), a process where the speaker is a strong supporter and driver. Significant emphasis has been placed on precisely defining the legislative role and status of the collegial central bodies of the Defence League. The speaker also notes participation in the process of appointing the Commander of the Defence Forces as an achievement.

1 Speeches Analyzed