Session Profile: Marko Mihkelson
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session.
2025-01-22
Political Position
The political position is strongly value-based, focusing on the defense of democratic principles and opposition to Russian imperialism. The speaker firmly supports the draft statement, which condemns the systematic falsification of the Georgian elections and backs the aspirations of the Georgian people for the European Union and NATO. The Georgian crisis is viewed as part of a broader Russian offensive that also affects Estonian security, drawing parallels with the events of 1940.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates authority in foreign policy and the procedural rules of the Riigikogu, particularly concerning the work of the Foreign Affairs Committee. He refers to specific facts, such as meetings with election observers in Tbilisi and Dr. Hans Gutbrod’s thorough analysis regarding the systematic falsification of the Georgian elections. He is aware of the actions taken by the international community (the European Parliament, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe) concerning the Georgian issue.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, yet passionate and compelling, especially when addressing Russia's influence operations and the situation in Georgia. Both logical arguments are employed (the commission's procedure, documented cases) as well as strong emotional appeals (references to the 1940 events in Estonia and the necessity of international support). The speaker utilizes historical comparisons to underscore the gravity of the situation.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in foreign policy matters, participating in international meetings (a delegation was in Tbilisi at the beginning of November) and organizing meetings in the Riigikogu (with representatives of Georgian civil society). He/She is closely associated with the work of the Foreign Affairs Committee, serving as the representative of the lead committee, and has addressed the issue of Georgia both before and after October 26th.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary confrontation targets Russian imperialism and influence operations, which are viewed as a threat to the entire region. Domestically, he criticizes those colleagues (specifically naming Mr. Grünthal and Poolamets) who question the necessity of the statement or attempt to justify the falsification of the Georgian elections, deeming such an attitude unnatural yet credible.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes cooperation within the Foreign Affairs Committee, where the proposed amendment to the draft statement was adopted by consensus. He is pleased to note that the majority of the legislature supports providing international support to Georgia, citing the statement's initiation by 49 members of the Riigikogu.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is distinctly international and geopolitical, centering on countries in the South Caucasus and Eastern Europe that have fallen victim to Russian influence operations. The primary countries are Georgia, Belarus, Ukraine, and Moldova, highlighting their European aspirations and the necessity of standing up to Russian aggression.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The only economic reference concerns energy carriers being used as a tool of Russia's influence operations directed toward Moldova. Data regarding other economic policy positions is unavailable.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues were examined within the context of democratic freedoms and political rights, emphasizing the Georgian people's desire for freedom and their opposition to violence during peaceful protests. The speaker supports representatives of Georgian civil society who are calling for fair and free elections.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the initiation and support of international declarations, serving in the capacity of a representative for the leading committee. The priority involves processing the statement concerning the Georgian elections and moving it to a final vote, as well as preparing a statement regarding the Belarusian elections. He/She is acting in a supporting role by introducing Draft Statement 564 to the plenary agenda.
10 Speeches Analyzed