Agenda Profile: Marko Mihkelson
Third reading of the Bill (332 SE) on the Amendment of the International Sanctions Act and the Amendment of other related Acts.
2024-05-15
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is on protecting the security and survival of the Estonian state and supporting Ukraine against Russia's aggression. The position strongly supports the draft bill (332 SE) amending the International Sanctions Act, which is framed as value-based and a step toward protecting the world order. The speaker represents the Reform Party and emphasizes that this is the right and important course of action.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of international security, the principles of the rule of law, and the legislative process, citing the work of the Constitutional Committee and the consultation of experts (both international and domestic). Geopolitical terms such as "strategic defeat" and "world order" are used while analyzing the broader objective of Russian President Putin.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is urgent and highly persuasive, stressing the critical importance of the decision for Estonian security and as an international precedent. It employs both emotional appeals (referencing genocide and the survival of the state) and logical justification (citing the work of the Constitutional Committee and the expectations of allies). The address is formal, resolute, and utilizes powerful contrasts (for instance, labeling Putin an autocrat).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker referenced their participation in various meetings where Estonia's legislative initiative was discussed with allies and partners. They noted that several colleagues from European countries are awaiting Estonia's decision today, which indicates active international engagement. No other data regarding the frequency of appearances or routine is available.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are critics of the bill, who are accused of forgetting the true scope of the war and Russia's objectives. The intensity of the criticism is high, equating opposition to the law with opposition to the Estonian state ("criticism against the Estonian state"). The opposition is aimed at a political decision, but is framed as a moral and security deficiency.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperative approach is guided by international standards and actions coordinated with allies, emphasizing that other countries are awaiting Estonia's decision and are prepared to follow suit. Domestically, it relies on the thorough work of the Constitutional Committee and experts (both international and domestic) to ensure compliance with the principles of the rule of law.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly international (winning the war in Ukraine, the strategic defeat of Russia) and national (Estonian security and legal framework). The United States and the European Union are mentioned as either setting the example or following suit. There is no reference to local or regional Estonian issues.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic standpoints focus on implementing sanctions and utilizing the interest income generated by frozen assets for Ukraine's reconstruction and military supplies. There is support for directing economic resources toward achieving security policy objectives, specifically referencing the EU's decision to use the interest income for tangible military deliveries.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The only social issue is related to security and human rights violations, citing Russia's goal of carrying out a full-scale genocide in Ukraine. This emphasizes the priority of protecting national security and international law.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is supporting the third reading of the draft act amending the International Sanctions Act (Bill 332 SE). The speaker is a strong proponent of the bill and emphasizes that the Constitutional Committee has done thorough work to ensure the act's compliance with the principles of the rule of law.
2 Speeches Analyzed