Session Profile: Leo Kunnas
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting
2025-09-15
Political Position
The speaker vehemently opposes the government's defense industry development and procurement policy, stressing that the current approach is detrimental both to military needs and the economy. The political focus is centered on the nation's long-term capacity to sustain defense expenditures (5.4% of GDP), while simultaneously warning of economic exhaustion. The stance is forcefully critical and performance-driven, accusing decision-makers of strategic errors.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the fields of defense industry, ammunition manufacturing, and military logistics. Technical terms are used (e.g., 155-millimeter shells, propellant charges), and specific international examples are provided (Rheinmetall in Lithuania, the Nammo bid). The expertise also encompasses military strategy, emphasizing the necessity of dispersing production or concealing it underground during wartime.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is insistent, critical, and concerned, highlighting the failure and lack of benefit of current policy. Logical arguments and simple mathematical calculations regarding economic sustainability are employed, warning that the country will not withstand the defense spending marathon for long. The speech is formal yet emotionally charged, utilizing strong comparisons with Latvia and Lithuania.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
All speeches originate from a single plenary session (2025-09-15), where questions and more extensive viewpoints regarding the defense industry are presented, addressing "Hanno" directly. The speaker requested an additional three minutes to present their arguments thoroughly, which suggests a desire to cover the topic in depth.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at the government and decision-makers who have made "stupid mistakes" by rejecting bids from major manufacturers (e.g., Nammo) and opting for cheap foreign purchases instead. Criticism is also leveled against the subordinate position of the Commander of the Defense Forces, who simply has to swallow whatever he is handed. The criticism is policy- and strategy-based, not personal.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national development of the defense industry and the economy, but this is heavily contextualized by comparisons with the other Baltic states. Latvia and Lithuania are highlighted as successful examples in attracting international defense industry investments, while Estonia is criticized for lagging behind.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strongly supports the development of the defense industry as a key pillar of the economy, emphasizing the indirect benefits derived from taxes and employment, which would help offset significant defense expenditures. It warns that money will flow out of the country if everything is imported, leading to the nation's economic exhaustion by the end of the next electoral cycle. Domestic production is preferred, even if the nominal price is higher.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on strategic errors in the development and planning of the defense industry, particularly concerning the planning of the defense industry park and the execution of major procurements. The speaker is critical and demands a policy shift to ensure it meets wartime necessities and economic sustainability, emphasizing the crucial need for the domestic production of fundamental items (explosives, shells, and small arms ammunition).
3 Speeches Analyzed