Session Profile: Leo Kunnas
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session.
2024-01-15
Political Position
The most prominent topic is national defense and the rapid enhancement of indirect fire capability, which is deemed critically insufficient in the context of the current war. The politician demands immediate decisions from the government regarding the acquisition of new artillery and mortar systems, as well as a further increase in defense spending above 3.2% of GDP. Furthermore, he expresses concern about the volume of migration and Estonia's capacity to successfully integrate newcomers. The political framework is strongly policy- and results-driven, focusing on specific military needs and established timelines.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound technical and doctrinal expertise in national defense, particularly in the field of artillery, referring to himself as a "career military officer." Specific terminology and data are used (e.g., K9 Kõu, HIMARS, 120 mm mortars, 36 self-propelled howitzers, division artillery), and Estonian capabilities (e.g., 24 systems) are compared with those of Finland (1,690 systems). He provides detailed recommendations concerning the structure of the division artillery (wheeled artillery systems), the mechanization of mortars, and the domestic production of ammunition.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone of the address is serious, businesslike, and urgent, especially regarding defense matters, emphasizing the need for swift decisions ("without delay"). The style is formal and analytical, relying on logical arguments and concrete figures, rather than emotional appeals. On the topic of defense, positions are presented as "military advice" to the Prime Minister, while the migration issue is framed as a direct, data-driven question.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The Member is active during the plenary session, submitting an interpellation to the Prime Minister and subsequently delivering lengthy explanatory remarks. This pattern of activity indicates a focus on exerting pressure regarding the government's action plans and budget decisions.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the government and the prime minister, who are accused of a slow decision-making process and insufficient ambition in developing indirect fire capability. The criticism is policy- and procedure-based, emphasizing that current developments are the result of decisions made by previous governments, and new critical decisions (e.g., regarding the division's artillery) are being postponed.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly at the national level (Estonia's defense capabilities, the formation of a division, territorial defense) and the international level (support for Ukraine, comparison with Finland). Specific local or regional issues are not discussed.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker advocates for a substantial increase in defense spending, noting that the current 3.2% of GDP is insufficient to cover replacement needs and support for Ukraine. They see the development of the defense industry, particularly the domestic production of explosives and ammunition, as an opportunity to revitalize the economy and provide a positive boost.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The topic of immigration and integration (permanent settlement) is discussed. Concern is expressed over the large number of immigrants arriving in the last five years, and doubts are raised regarding the state's capacity to permanently settle an estimated 130,000 newcomers, particularly given their concentration within existing communities.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is primarily on the decisions made by the government's executive branch and budget planning (RES), rather than the initiation of specific legislative bills. The primary objective is to compel the government to immediately launch major procurement processes (such as wheeled howitzers) and modernize existing systems so that full military capability is achieved by 2027–2028.
5 Speeches Analyzed