Session Profile: Leo Kunnas
Fifteenth Estonian Parliament, fifth session, plenary session.
2025-01-30
Political Position
The most prominent issue is the restriction of voting rights for Russian citizens in local elections, which is being framed as a matter of national security and loyalty. The speaker strongly advocates for granting suffrage only to Estonian and EU citizens, stressing that Russian citizens have no obligation of loyalty to the Estonian state. The underlying framework is clearly based on values and security concerns, linking the right to vote directly to the declaration recognizing Russia as a terrorist state.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates authority on the topics of security policy and comprehensive national defense, highlighting examples of potential sabotage in a wartime situation (fire control via a phone call). He openly admits his insufficient competence in legal and constitutional matters, delegating the assessment of these issues to lawyers and the Chancellor of Justice.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is serious, concerned, and pragmatic, focusing on security threats and the need for legislation. The speaker uses logical arguments and simple, emotionally impactful examples (a state traitor, a 70-year-old acting as a fire spotter) and begins the speech with an apology for a previous absence and a miscalculation. He strives to be specific and time-efficient.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker references the introduction of his draft bill on October 24th of last year, noting that it took a considerable amount of time for the proposal to reach the floor. He apologizes for his absence from last Wednesday's sitting, explaining that this was due to a miscalculation regarding the length of the speeches.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct attack against opponents, but the criticism is aimed at the current situation (the voting rights of Russian citizens) and the resulting security risks. He/She questions the weight of Parliament's statements (such as recognizing Russia as a terrorist state) if they are not followed up by legislative action, stressing that every step taken must carry weight.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker demonstrates a pragmatic willingness to cooperate by supporting the opposition’s constitutional amendment initiative, as it would offer a more ideal solution than his/her own draft bill. He/She notes that Lavly Perling of the Parempoolsed Party did significant work drafting the explanatory memorandum, pointing to cross-party cooperation.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily on national security and the legislation concerning foreign nationals residing in Estonia. On the international level, there is mention of the EU's obligations and the precedent set by Latvia, as well as the complexity involved in restricting the voting rights of citizens from other democratic countries (NATO, Japan, South Korea).
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is related to citizen loyalty and the security risks stemming from the voting rights granted to Russian citizens in local elections. This is framed as a matter of security and national defense, rather than a topic of social integration, underscoring the necessity of drawing a clear boundary.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is linking the right to vote in local council elections to the Riigikogu declaration recognizing Russia as a terrorist state. The speaker is the initiator of this draft law, but admits that it is a fallback option in case they cannot secure the 81 votes required to amend the constitution.
8 Speeches Analyzed