Agenda Profile: Tõnis Lukas
Draft law (642 SE) on the withdrawal from the convention prohibiting the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines and requiring their destruction – second reading
2025-06-04
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly value-driven and focuses on national defense and security, standing firmly against voluntary disarmament. The speaker supports the retention of anti-personnel mines as a strategic and financially viable deterrent ("the poor man's artillery"), arguing they are necessary for protecting the civilian population while awaiting NATO forces. This position is framed by strategic consistency, highlighting that the same viewpoint has been held since 2004.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates specific knowledge of military tactics, explaining the combined use of anti-personnel mines with anti-tank mines to prevent the rapid demining of pre-mined fields. Technical terms are used (e.g., "bridgeheads," "branches of service"), and the cost of weapon systems is analyzed, positioning mines as a financially viable alternative.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speech adopts a serious and urgent tone, employing strong emotional appeals (such as highlighting the "terrible" threat faced by civilian casualties) combined with logical arguments concerning the necessity of defense and existing financial limitations. The style is formal, incorporating strategic analysis and references to prior political actions and historical context.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The address was delivered during a session of the Riigikogu at the second reading of the draft legislation. The speaker references their previous speech on the same subject, given in 2004, which demonstrates long-term and consistent involvement in discussing strategic issues of national defense.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the proponents of joining the Ottawa Convention, who are accused of disarming on paper in the face of a real threat. The threat emanating from Russia is emphasized very strongly, citing threats made by top Russian politicians regarding the restoration of the Soviet Union and the bombing of Tallinn. The criticism is strategic and policy-driven.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Regarding cooperation, solidarity with Finland is emphasized, highlighting the cross-party and national readiness of the Finnish people not to abandon anti-personnel mines, and referring to the historical brotherhood in arms. The US position on not joining the convention is also mentioned, but there is no information available regarding a domestic compromise.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on national security and the international level, particularly the threat emanating from Russia. Finland is cited as a strategic model, given that it shares a similar border and a history of military comradeship.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic considerations are tied to defense spending, stressing that anti-personnel mines are financially viable and can be produced domestically. Acquiring comparable weapons systems (such as aircraft or tanks) is deemed too costly for the Estonian budget, which justifies retaining the mines on budgetary grounds.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues addressed is the protection of the civilian population from military threats, including a possible "breakthrough by armed groups." The speaker emphasizes that the retention of mines is a necessary measure to prevent civilian casualties and the significant danger that would arise in the absence of defense.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is the debate surrounding Bill 642 SE (the Convention Withdrawal Bill), where the speaker is a strong proponent of retaining mines and withdrawing from the convention. The priority is maintaining defense capability and overcoming the restrictions stemming from international agreements.
1 Speeches Analyzed