Session Profile: Leo Kunnas

The political emphasis is heavily placed on national defense and safeguarding the autonomy of the Defence League (KL). The highest priority is considered to be the precise definition of the role of KL's collegiate central bodies within the law, ensuring the organization's stable development and independence from ministerial oversight. There is strong support for amending the Defence League Act, and this is viewed as the most crucial task for the current composition of the National Defence Committee. The political framework blends a policy-based approach (legal precision) with a value-based approach (the KL belongs to the people).

The speaker demonstrates authority in the field of national defense and Defence League legislation, possessing a deep understanding of the organization's collegial management structures (the Central Assembly, the Central Board, the Council of Elders). He emphasizes the continuity of the Defence League's development and uses this knowledge to justify the necessity of legislative amendments aimed at securing the organization's independence. The text also mentions the commission's significant number of career military officers, which indicates strong internal expertise and evidence-based work.

The style is formal, factual, and persuasive, centering on the legislative process and the protection of the results achieved. The speaker employs logical arguments, citing examples of the Kaitseliit's historical stability and its successful opposition to unreasonable proposals (such as the sale of the historical house). Furthermore, he expresses gratitude to the stakeholders while simultaneously and confidently defending the efficiency of the committee's work against any criticism.

The speaker is an active member of the National Defence Committee, having participated in five sessions working on the draft legislation for the Defence League. In addition to legislative work, he/she is also involved in crucial appointments, such as the naming of the Commander of the Defence Forces, emphasizing the committee's continuous and effective work. He/She refers to the committee’s work as consistent and obligatory activity.

The criticism is directed at two target groups. Firstly, there is general, unspecified criticism concerning the commission's workload and efficiency, which the speaker firmly refutes. Secondly, criticism is aimed at the Ministry of Defense's earlier "stray ideas" that would have damaged the autonomy of the Defense League (Kaitseliit) (e.g., the sale of a historical building). The opposition to ministerial interference is clear, but the matter is largely treated as a problem that was resolved in the past.

The speaker emphasized the importance of broad-based cooperation, extending thanks to the National Defence Committee, the Defence League Headquarters, and the Ministry of Defence for their joint efforts in drafting the bill. He values the collegial nature of the work and recognized former Defence League leaders (including Meelis Kiili) for maintaining a consistent policy direction. This cooperation was described as a necessary and successful process for achieving the best possible result.

The focus is entirely at the national level, addressing the Kaitseliit Act, the Ministry of Defense's relations with the KL, and the appointment of the Commander of the Defense Forces. There is no information regarding a local or regional focus.

Insufficient data.

Among the social topics addressed are the role and status of the Defence League, emphasizing its belonging to the Estonian people and thereby ensuring the security of the state. The defense of the organization's autonomy is linked to valuing stability and continuity. Data regarding other social or civil liberties topics is unavailable.

The primary legislative priority is the amendment of the Defence League Act, which is considered the National Defence Committee's most crucial task. The speaker is an active proponent and leader who emphasizes the clear statutory definition of the status of collegial central bodies. It is asserted that, as a result of diligent work, the best possible draft bill—or close to it—has been achieved, and they are urged to lend their support.