Agenda Profile: Vladimir Arhipov
Minister of Defence's 2024 Report on the Implementation of the State's Long-Term Development Strategy "Estonia 2035"
2024-09-11
Fifteenth Riigikogu, fourth session, plenary session
Political Position
The speaker clearly takes a stand on the necessity of strengthening national defense, supporting the increase of defense spending to 5% of GDP and stressing the importance of NATO alliance relations. He/She criticizes the previous government for frightening the populace with the probability of military action and expresses strong opposition to revoking the voting rights of Russian and Belarusian citizens. The speaker emphasizes the critical need to develop civil defense and highlights the link between economic policy and public support for national defense.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Shows in-depth knowledge in the field of national defense and security policy, citing specific statistics (30% of NATO countries have not reached 2% of GDP, 15% of the population is prepared for crisis situations). Uses accurate data from the national defense readiness survey, mentioning the income threshold of 2,500 euros and the higher defense will among youth (aged 15–19). Demonstrates expertise in assessing the condition of civil defense infrastructure and shelters.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
Employs a structured and analytical approach, dividing the speech into clear thematic blocks. The style is formal, yet it also includes emotional elements ("sheep shears," "even the Social Democrats get this"). It combines fact-based arguments with personal criticism, concluding with irony regarding the Riigikogu (Parliament) as the least trusted institution. It utilizes both logical argumentation and rhetorical devices.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Based on the data, it is not possible to assess the speaker's regular presentation patterns or rhythm of activity. The speeches originate from a single session held on September 11, 2024, which focused on the Minister of Defence's reports concerning the "Estonia 2035" strategy.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
He/She directly criticizes the previous government for frightening the populace and constantly emphasizing the threat of war. He/She expresses opposition to stripping Russian and Belarusian citizens of their voting rights, calling it a negative signal. He/She also criticizes NATO countries that have not reached the 2% defense spending target, but does so constructively, emphasizing the need for lobbying.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Strongly emphasizes the importance of international cooperation, particularly within the NATO framework, and the necessity of achieving a common understanding among allies. It mentions the need for lobbying efforts with other NATO countries to increase defense spending. It demonstrates an openness to constructive cooperation, even while sharply criticizing certain political decisions. It does not rule out compromises, but rather seeks practical solutions.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It focuses primarily on national security and defense issues. It mentions Finland's Mannerheim Line as a possible model for constructing Estonia's defense zone. It emphasizes the small size of the Estonian economy in the context of the optimal utilization of defense expenditures. Regional or local aspects are not addressed.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It links economic prosperity to support for national defense, noting that higher-income individuals (earning over 2,500 euros) are more willing to contribute to defense efforts. It criticizes Estonia's low consumer confidence (the lowest in Europe) and demands that the government improve its economic policy to boost incomes. It supports increasing defense spending but stresses the necessity of using those funds efficiently.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It addresses the differences in national defense will between Estonians and non-Estonians, referring to these differences as "tailor's scissors." It expresses concern that revoking the voting rights of Russian and Belarusian citizens would deepen societal divisions. It emphasizes the necessity of sending positive signals to people who speak other languages in Estonia. It supports the strong representation of national defense topics in education.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on analyzing the implementation of the "Estonia 2035" strategy within the national defense sector. It advocates for legally increasing defense expenditures to 5% of GDP and improving the civil defense structure. It stresses the necessity of taking concrete steps to develop shelters and crisis preparedness infrastructure. Furthermore, it calls for organizing more national defense exercises and raising public awareness through legislative measures.
4 Speeches Analyzed