Session Profile: Marko Mihkelson
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session.
2024-05-08
Political Position
The politician's focus is heavily centered on foreign policy and international law. They are a strong proponent of the bill aimed at utilizing Russia's frozen assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine. They emphasize Estonia's role as a precedent-setter among Western nations and criticize the slow reaction of the West to Russian aggression since 2014. Their positions are clearly value-driven, concentrating on making aggression costly and defending the core principles of international law.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in the field of foreign policy and international law, particularly concerning the processing of sanctions and international treaties. They utilize statistics regarding the volume of treaty processing (e.g., 8 ratified, 60 under negotiation) and reference specific international developments (the Belgian decision, Czech interest). Furthermore, they are highly familiar with the internal workings and structure of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, mentioning specific officials and departments.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, professional, and appropriate for parliament, utilizing the title "Esteemed Speaker/Deputy Speaker of the Riigikogu." The tone is predominantly optimistic regarding the success of the draft legislation, but also urgent, emphasizing the need to adopt the bill quickly ("without delays"). The speaker relies heavily on logical arguments and procedural details, while simultaneously being appreciative and grateful toward the bill's drafters.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active member and rapporteur of the Riigikogu Foreign Affairs Committee, participating closely in the handling of draft legislation and making procedural decisions. He/She mentions international contacts and conversations related to Estonian regulation and refers to an upcoming foreign assignment, which demonstrates his/her regular involvement in international relations.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker does not directly criticize any domestic counterpart, but neutrally mentions the question raised by colleague Põlluaas concerning international attention. The primary confrontation is directed against Russia's aggression and the violation of international law.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is cooperation-oriented, publicly thanking the drafters of the bill from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, especially Deputy Secretary General Erki Kodar and his team, acknowledging their difficult work. He/She emphasizes the need to follow the example of like-minded countries (e.g., Czechia) and the importance of international cooperation. He/She acts as the rapporteur for the Foreign Affairs Committee, which requires close cooperation with the committee and the ministry.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily on international topics: Russia's aggression, the rebuilding of Ukraine, international law, and Estonia's standing among Western nations. Specific partner countries like Belgium and the Czech Republic are mentioned, emphasizing the international weight of Estonia's example. There is no domestic or local focus.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic positions are linked to sanctions policy, advocating for the use of frozen assets (including the interest earned on them) to provide economic support and military aid to Ukraine. This signals a willingness to utilize national resources and sanctions to achieve geopolitical goals, thereby making Russian aggression as costly as possible.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priorities are the amendment of the International Sanctions Act (concerning the utilization of Russian assets) and amendments to the Foreign Relations Act (regarding the procedure for international agreements). The speaker is an active proponent and rapporteur, making procedural decisions within the Foreign Affairs Committee and pushing for the swift adoption of the bills.
2 Speeches Analyzed