Agenda Profile: Leo Kunnas
First reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Security Institutions Act (330 SE)
2024-05-09
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session.
Political Position
The political position strongly favors increasing national defense and security, supporting the expansion of counter-intelligence capabilities within the Defense Forces Intelligence Center. This stance is driven by the increased size of the wartime defense forces and the necessity of deterring internal threats and hybrid attacks. The previous concept of "affordable" national defense has been abandoned, replaced by an emphasis on continuous adaptation to growing threats.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the field of national defense and security structures, citing specific figures regarding the size of the wartime defense forces (21,000 versus 43,700). He speaks authoritatively on the necessity of counterintelligence, the intensification of background checks, and the activities of the Russian Federation’s intelligence agencies (FSB, GRU) within the context of hybrid attacks. He highlights specific incidents, such as the Metsavas case, to illustrate the consequences of systemic deficiencies.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is serious, analytical, and pressing, underscoring logical connections and the inevitability of the threat. The speaker uses concrete examples and hypothetical scenarios (armed internal conflict) to support the arguments and emphasize the necessity of the draft legislation. The tone is formal and focuses on facts and improving the system's efficiency, rather than emotions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Direct political opponents are not criticized; instead, reference is made to the previous national defense policy that reduced the wartime defense forces, labeling it ineffective. The speaker dismisses concerns about a potential conflict arising between the Defense Forces and the Security Police, deeming such a conflict impossible. The criticism is instead aimed at inertia and the system's slow adaptation to the changed security situation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style is pragmatic and emphasizes the need for inter-agency support, noting that the Internal Security Service (Kaitsepolitseiamet) will directly help build up the new counter-intelligence capability and partially control it. The objective of the draft bill is to make the entire system more efficient, not to criticize partners. Cooperation with the Internal Security Service is considered a prerequisite for the new capability.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national security and the defense of Estonian territory against external threats (Russia), particularly in the context of hybrid attacks and armed internal conflict. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of preventing hostile agency infiltration into the state's defense structures.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among social issues, the balance between security and citizen background checks is addressed, highlighting the necessity for stricter and more comprehensive vetting. This is particularly crucial for members of the Defence League and reservists who keep weapons at home, ensuring that these arms do not fall into the hands of a hostile agency. The security aspect outweighs personal liberty in this regard, serving to prevent internal conflicts.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft Act amending the Security Authorities Act (330 SE), which aims to grant the Defence Forces Intelligence Centre the capability to conduct counter-intelligence. The speaker is a strong supporter of the bill, emphasizing its importance in enhancing national defense and preventing intelligence leaks. They view the draft as an inevitable step toward overcoming systemic inertia.
1 Speeches Analyzed