Session Profile: Henn Põlluaas

The speaker is strongly opposed to the actions of the government and the Interior Minister, focusing on issues of historical memory and national defense. The core arguments involve protecting the memory of the men who fought for Estonia (regardless of the uniform they wore) and ceasing the undermining of Ukraine's defense capability by stopping the granting of protection to military conscripts in Estonia. These positions are deeply value-based, emphasizing national honor, duty, and the incompetence of the government. The speaker criticizes the government for its feebleness and its capitulation in the face of Russian information warfare.

The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the status of Ukrainian military conscripts in Estonia, presenting precise statistical data on the number of men who have received temporary and international protection (e.g., 11,000 men aged 18–60). He/She is also familiar with the Estonian historical context (WWII fighters, Uluots, Rei) and the legislation governing the placement of monuments (specifically, the requirements for the road protection zone). He/She uses this data to emphasize the claim that this is the equivalent of one division's worth of men that Ukraine needs.

The rhetorical style is highly aggressive, critical, and emotional, repeatedly employing words such as "embarrassing," "shame," and "shameful" to describe the government's actions. The speaker supports their moral and historical appeals (the duty to fight for Estonia) with specific statistical data regarding the proportion of Ukrainian men. They present accusations directly, calling into question the competence and knowledge of the Minister of the Interior. The style is fast-paced and demanding, emphasizing the urgency of the topic.

The discussion takes place during plenary sessions within the framework of answering parliamentary inquiries. The speaker refers to the repeated submission of questions to both the former prime minister and the Minister of the Interior, which demonstrates persistent activity in keeping selected controversial topics on the agenda. He is an active critic of the government's actions.

The primary adversary is the government, particularly Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets, whose competence and responses are being called embarrassing and inadequate. Criticism is aimed both at specific political decisions (the removal of the monument, the acceptance of Ukrainian men) and at the government's alleged submission to the Russian Putinist narrative. No compromise is being offered; instead, they are demanding a complete change in policy and the repatriation of draft dodgers.

The information is missing. While the speaker does reference the previous speaker (Jaak Valge) and historians to back up their points, they don't mention any collaboration with other political parties or government circles.

The focus is strongly national (Estonian historical memory, the Defence Forces Cemetery, Estonia's will to defend) and international (Ukrainian conscripts, Russian aggression, comparisons with Latvia and Finland regarding the treatment of monuments). There is no specific emphasis on local or regional economic or infrastructure projects within Estonia.

Data is missing. The only economic reference is the payment of benefits to Ukrainian refugees, but there is no broader position on taxes, budgetary discipline, or economic growth.

Among social issues, historical memory and national honor are sharply addressed, defending the memory of those who fought for Estonia against accusations involving Nazi symbolism. Secondly, the focus is on immigration policy and security, stressing that the acceptance and support of Ukrainian conscripts is unacceptable, as this undermines the defense capabilities of an ally and Estonia’s own will to defend itself. The speaker emphasizes the undeniable duty of every citizen to defend their country.

The legislative focus is directed at demanding changes to the government’s actions and policy, particularly concerning the termination of protection granted to Ukrainian conscripts and the clearing of the Defence Forces Cemetery of monuments dedicated to the occupiers. He demands that Estonia offer cooperation to Ukraine in the repatriation of draft dodgers and even provide basic training courses for the returning men.