Session Profile: Leo Kunnas
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary sitting
2024-12-09
Political Position
The political focus is currently centered on the severe environmental damage caused by mining, particularly concerning phosphorite and rare earth metals. The speaker voices strong concern and skepticism, stressing that the consequences here in Estonia are unlikely to be significantly different from what has occurred elsewhere (for instance, the Nauru catastrophe). This stance is value-based and prioritizes environmental protection.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in environmental impact assessment and mining, citing examples of the drastic consequences resulting from the extraction of phosphorite and rare earth metals. Technical terminology (groundwater, rare earth metals) is employed, and international analogues (Nauru, Morocco) are referenced to assess the risks.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is analytical, concerned, and direct, posing a question to the Minister regarding the scope of research into analogous cases. Logical appeals are employed, emphasizing that disasters which have occurred elsewhere predict similar consequences in Estonia, and the tone is cautionary.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed at the methods used for assessing the environmental impact of mining and the scope of data collection, questioning the Minister about how many analogues are being studied. The criticism is both procedural and political, casting doubt on the sufficiency of the current assessment.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on Estonia’s national environmental protection and the impact of mining, using international analogues (Nauru, Morocco) for assessment and stressing that the outcome in Estonia cannot be different from what has happened elsewhere.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on the rigor of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process and compliance with data collection requirements, particularly concerning mining projects. The speaker operates as a critical assessor of the current regulation.
1 Speeches Analyzed