Agenda Profile: Arvo Aller
First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu (104 OE), titled "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Remove the So-Called Bronze Soldier Statue from Public Space"
2024-01-16
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political focus is on the complete removal of Soviet occupation symbols (the "red monuments") from public space. The speaker strongly supports the draft legislation but stresses that all monuments must be moved, including those located on private property, deeming the state's current approach inadequate. This position is clearly value-based and aimed at eliminating the symbols of the history of occupation. Furthermore, counterarguments that impede this action are sharply criticized.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the procedures for relocating Soviet-era monuments, differentiating between objects situated on state land and private land. Professional competence is also apparent in their ability to address and overturn the common objection concerning "peace of the grave," citing the specific statue's history of prior relocation. They emphasize the importance of revealing the historical context in the current situation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal and analytical, beginning with polite addresses to the presiding officer and the presenter. The tone turns critical when the arguments of the opposing side are addressed, particularly the use of "graveyard peace" to justify inaction ("finding a rationale for oneself"). The speaker employs a logical appeal to highlight the contradiction between the monument's location and the glorification of the Soviet occupation occurring there.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The available data is limited to two brief interventions during the first reading of the Riigikogu bill, where both questions and critical standpoints were raised. There is no broader information available regarding patterns or frequency.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at those who employ the "peace of the grave" argument to obstruct the removal of Soviet-era monuments from public space. The criticism is intense, accusing opponents of justifying inaction and allowing the glorification of the Soviet occupation and Russian power at the memorial site.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is respectful towards the presenter, who is thanked for the comprehensive overview. The speaker poses a question regarding the scope of the draft bill, seeking clarification on whether it is possible to extend the activity to monuments located on private land, which demonstrates a desire to support and supplement the legislative initiative.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is national, addressing the issue of Soviet monuments more broadly across the entire territory of Estonia, including on state and private land. There are no references to specific regional projects or international topics.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue revolves around historical memory and national identity, centering on the removal of symbols of the Soviet occupation from public spaces. The speaker stresses that the monument's location is being utilized to commemorate the Soviet occupation and glorify Russian power, indicating a firm stance in the defense of national values.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the Riigikogu's draft resolution (104 OE) concerning the removal of the Bronze Soldier and other communist monuments. The speaker is acting both as a supporter and as an advocate for expanding the scope, asking whether the resolution can also mandate the relocation of monuments situated on private land, thereby emphasizing the maximum possible reach of the legislation.
2 Speeches Analyzed