Agenda Profile: Henn Põlluaas
Draft law (642 SE) on the withdrawal from the convention prohibiting the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines and requiring their destruction – second reading
2025-06-04
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The core political position is strong support for withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention in order to reinstate the use of anti-personnel landmines for Estonia's defense. This is a pragmatic, security-based stance that emphasizes military expediency and the necessity of preparing for "human wave attacks." The speaker emphasizes that this represents a return to Isamaa's original, realistic position, contrasting sharply with the emotional decision made in 2004. The stance is strongly value-driven, prioritizing national defense above all else.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the strategic aspects of defense policy and mine warfare, utilizing technical terminology and explaining the functionality of mines. He addresses details such as the operational principle of self-detonating mines, the planned deployment of minefields, and their role in supporting anti-tank defense. This expertise draws upon lessons learned from the war in Ukraine and international comparisons (USA, Finland).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is direct, pragmatic, and at times confrontational, stressing military inevitability and the necessity of swift action. The speaker contrasts emotional arguments (references to Cambodian children) with the logical necessity of defense, using powerful metaphors such as "one hand tied behind one's back" and "the empire of evil." The tone is urgent and realistic, emphasizing that "war is not pretty."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The available data is limited to one speech delivered in the Riigikogu during the second reading of the bill. The speaker referenced the public's engagement, mentioning that they had received dozens of emails on the subject, which demonstrates the topic's significant societal resonance.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are those who present emotional arguments supporting the ban on anti-personnel mines and who backed joining the convention in 2004, completely ignoring the military aspect. The criticism is intense and politically driven, accusing the opponents of naivety and being unrealistic ("utter nonsense"). They see no possibility for compromise regarding military expediency.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the positive cooperation within the National Defence Committee and welcomes the emergence of consensus on the issue of withdrawing from the convention. He expresses satisfaction that the political parties have reached a common understanding, even though Isamaa was historically the only dissenter.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on national defense and international security, highlighting the unique nature of Estonia's situation and its border with Russia, which is referred to as "the empire of evil." Emphasis is also placed on similar reassessments being undertaken by other countries along the Russian border (Finland, Norway, Poland) and the necessity of defending more than 2,000 kilometers of shared frontier.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker addresses the humanitarian aspect of anti-personnel mines. While acknowledging fears concerning civilian casualties, he dismisses them. He emphasizes that Estonia's use of planned, registered, and self-detonating mines precludes fears of civilian casualties, thereby prioritizing national security.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is supporting and securing the passage of Bill 642 SE (Withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention) during its second reading. The speaker is a strong advocate for this initiative, stressing the immediate necessity of this decision to create an effective defensive line.
1 Speeches Analyzed