Session Profile: Marko Mihkelson
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
2025-09-04
Political Position
The political position heavily focuses on foreign policy and parliamentary diplomacy, particularly regarding the formation of international delegations. The speaker adopts a clear and strong value-based stance, recognizing the forced deportation of the Crimean Tatars in 1944 as an act of genocide, and sharply criticizing Russia’s 2014 occupation and illegal annexation. This position is aimed at promoting international solidarity and emphasizing historical justice.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates authority regarding the work of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the organization of parliamentary diplomacy, detailing changes in the composition of delegations (PACE, Baltic Assembly). Furthermore, they possess specific knowledge concerning the history of the deportation of Crimean Tatars, including victim statistics (over 200,000 deported, with over 46% dying within the first year).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is predominantly formal, polite, and procedural, focusing on the submission of draft legislation on behalf of the Foreign Affairs Committee. When addressing the topic of the Crimean Tatars, the tone shifts to serious and value-based, employing an emotional appeal rooted in historical facts to underscore the scale of the genocide and suffering. The speaker uses clear and concise language.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The representative participates in Riigikogu sessions irregularly but consistently (January 2024 through May 2025) for the purpose of submitting draft resolutions. This pattern of activity suggests a role where the individual is responsible, on behalf of the Foreign Affairs Committee, for initiating both routine changes to delegations and significant political declarations. The drafts are submitted either electronically or digitally.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is directed against the Russian Federation and the former Soviet regime, strongly criticizing the illegal annexation of Crimea and crimes of genocidal proportions against the Crimean Tatars. The criticism is intense and focuses on human rights violations and the disregard for international law.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is strongly collegial and cross-party, evidenced by the statement submitted on behalf of 54 members of the Riigikogu. Furthermore, it points to cooperation with the factions of both Isamaa and the Social Democratic Party, as well as the Social Affairs Committee, in the procedures for altering the composition of delegations.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly international and regional, concentrating on Estonia's representation in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the Baltic Assembly. Geopolitically, there is a strong emphasis on the Crimean Peninsula and supporting its inhabitants (the Crimean Tatars).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient information
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Direct social issues are not covered, but the speaker strongly emphasizes the theme of international justice and human rights, recognizing the crimes committed against the Crimean Tatars as an act of genocide. This position is linked to historical memory and the recognition of the victims' suffering.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is divided between routine procedures (changes in the composition of international delegations to PACE and the Baltic Assembly) and the initiation of high-level political statements. The main priority is tabling the statement recognizing genocide for processing, with the aim of joining other countries that have issued similar declarations. The speaker primarily acts as the initiator and a representative of the Foreign Affairs Committee.
4 Speeches Analyzed