Agenda Profile: Leo Kunnas
First Reading of the Riigikogu Draft Statement (420 AE) "On Declaring the Moscow Patriarchate an Institution Supporting the Military Aggression of the Russian Federation"
2024-05-02
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is a matter of principle: an entire religious organization cannot be declared terrorist, even if extremists operate under its name. The current version of the Riigikogu statement draft is supported, as it has become clearer and more constructive compared to the initial text, which the speaker would not have endorsed. The objective is the transition of Orthodox congregations from the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate to the jurisdiction of the Patriarch of Constantinople, while simultaneously respecting the principles of a secular state.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the legal standing of religious organizations (secular state, absence of a state church) and the internal hierarchy of the Orthodox Church (Moscow vs. Constantinople). Comparative examples (Islamic extremists) are used to defend a reasoned position, stressing the need to avoid labeling entire religions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, analytical, and constructive, respectfully addressing the presiding officer and the rapporteur. Logical arguments are employed, and procedural questions are raised to gain clarity regarding the process of text improvement and to explore opportunities for positive contribution toward achieving the desired outcome.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participated in the question round during the first reading of the draft bill, but noted that they were not present in the chamber in the interim, which suggests intermittent attendance or joining the discussion at a later stage. This pattern of activity is aimed at clarifying the substance of the text and the procedural aspects.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition was directed at the initial version of the draft bill because its content was too broad and fundamentally flawed, specifically for declaring an entire religious organization as terrorist. The criticism is aimed at the substance of the earlier legislative text, rather than specific political opponents.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is collaborative, praising the improved wording of the draft bill and seeking information about the process that led to this better outcome. A desire is expressed to contribute positively to the changes in the subordination structure of the Orthodox Church, while inquiring about the discussions that took place in the committee.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level (the principles of the Estonian secular state and local Orthodox congregations) and at the international level, addressing the subordination relationships of the Orthodox Church between the Patriarchates of Moscow and Constantinople. Specific local or regional projects are not mentioned.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue concerns the relationship between the state and religious organizations in a secular country, emphasizing the need to avoid labeling entire faiths due to extremism. The question of the allegiance of Orthodox congregations is addressed as a significant social and security-related topic, the ideal resolution for which should originate from the church itself.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on the first reading of Riigikogu Draft Statement 420 AE, where the speaker operates as a critical supporter, calling for clarity in the text and adherence to fundamental principles. The objective is to identify legislative mechanisms that would contribute to altering the church's subordination relations, while simultaneously upholding the church's autonomy.
2 Speeches Analyzed