Agenda Profile: Marko Mihkelson
Second reading of the Draft Act on the Amendment of the International Sanctions Act and the Amendment of Other Acts Related Thereto (332 SE)
2024-05-08
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session.
Political Position
The political position strongly supports the draft amendment to the international sanctions law, emphasizing its swift and immediate adoption. This stance is framed by a value-based approach aimed at making Russian aggression costly and utilizing frozen assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine. The speaker emphasizes that this constitutes an important precedent, given that the Western world's reaction has been too slow since 2014.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of international law and sanctions mechanisms, highlighting the historical background of the conflict dating back to 2014. He/She refers to specific international developments, such as Belgium's decision to use interest earned on assets to provide military aid. Particular emphasis is placed on the complexity of the regulation developed by Estonia and the international interest it has garnered.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, supportive, and insistent, emphasizing the bill's importance and the necessity of avoiding delays in its passage. Logical arguments are employed concerning international precedent and the imposition of strategic costs on Russia. The tone is optimistic regarding the positive outcome of the bill and Estonia's leading role.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker referred to active participation in international contacts, mentioning that they have had "quite a few conversations" on this specific topic. This demonstrates active diplomatic engagement and the presentation of Estonia's positions to foreign partners.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Direct criticism of opponents is absent, although reference is made to colleague Põlluaas’s question regarding the activities of partner countries. The main criticism is aimed at the Western World’s historically “very, very slow” reaction to Russian aggression since 2014.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation within government agencies is emphasized, with thanks extended to Erki Kodar, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and his team for the complex drafting of the bill. International leadership and cooperation with "like-minded countries" (e.g., the Czech Republic) in implementing sanctions are also highlighted.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly international, centering on Russian aggression, support for Ukraine, and the actions of allied nations (Belgium, the Czech Republic) in implementing sanctions. Estonia is viewed as a leader in international lawmaking.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives focus on the implementation of sanctions and the utilization of financial mechanisms involving frozen assets to achieve geopolitical objectives. There is support for using the interest earned on these assets to provide economic assistance and military aid to Ukraine.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the swift adoption of the draft amendment to the International Sanctions Act (Bill 332 SE). The goal is to establish a legal precedent for the actual utilization of frozen Russian assets. The speaker is a strong proponent of this bill and views it as a highly significant milestone.
1 Speeches Analyzed