Session Profile: Marko Mihkelson
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
2025-02-11
Political Position
The central political position is ensuring Estonia’s security through maintaining a strong allied space ("Never again alone"). There is an emphasis on the urgent need for Ukraine’s victory to prevent the resurgence of the Russian empire and guarantee lasting peace in Europe. The political framework is strongly value- and security-based, emphasizing the defense of democracy against an existential threat.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in international security, geopolitics, and military strategy, drawing on historical parallels (Munich 1938, Churchill) and citing intelligence chiefs. He/She presents detailed knowledge regarding Russia's military enablers (North Korean ammunition factories, Iranian drones and missiles) and defense spending as a percentage of GDP.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is extremely serious, analytical, and pressing, warning of the collective West's defeat should action not be taken. It employs a balanced mix of logical arguments (historical inertia, statistics) and emotional appeals (the plight of Ukrainian frontline fighters, the failure to punish evil). The style is formal and narratively complex, connecting current events with the history of the post-World War II era.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in parliamentary diplomacy, having recently visited the Ukrainian frontline region and met with Ukrainian special forces personnel and politicians. He/She led the Foreign Affairs Committee delegation on a visit to East Asia (South Korea, Taiwan) and is planning a joint visit of the Nordic-Baltic Foreign Affairs Committees to Moldova. The necessity of maintaining continuous direct communication with the US Congress is emphasized.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main adversary is Russia, which is described as an aggressor, a dictatorship, and an existential threat attempting to restore its empire. Criticism is also directed at the great powers of Western Europe, which have disarmed for decades and fail to invest sufficiently in defense, as well as those who cling to the illusion of peace at any cost.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The necessity of strengthening the unity of the allied space and the cooperation among free world nations who share concerns regarding the erosion of the current order is emphasized. Regional cooperation with the Nordic-Baltic countries and Poland is prioritized, as this is critically important for presenting unified positions at NATO and EU summits.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on international and geopolitical issues, particularly European security (Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia) and cooperation within the Baltic Sea region. Emphasis is also placed on the importance of cooperation with free world nations in East Asia (Taiwan, South Korea) to counterbalance the consolidation of the authoritarian quartet (Russia, China, North Korea, Iran).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
A massive increase in defense spending is strongly supported, viewing Trump's idea of 5% of GDP as an unavoidable reality. Western European nations are criticized for spending four to five times less on defense than Russia, and the necessity of finding additional resources to strengthen independent defense capabilities is emphasized.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus of social themes is on the defense of democratic institutions and civil liberties against attacks by authoritarian forces. Emphasis is placed on the threat of internal deliberalization within the free world.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The priority is strengthening the foreign service and deepening international cooperation. Support is being given to the amendments initiated by the Foreign Affairs Committee to the pending draft Foreign Relations Act, which establishes the preconditions for closer international cooperation.
7 Speeches Analyzed