Session Profile: Henn Põlluaas
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
2025-05-21
Political Position
The political platform is heavily focused on security and national defense, urgently demanding withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention and the reintroduction of anti-personnel mines, deeming any contrary action "suicidal." Another key issue is the criticism directed at green policy (the so-called "green craze"), which jeopardizes the sustainability of aviation and drives up costs. The speaker frames their views based on core values and as historical criticism regarding the naivety of previous governments when assessing the threat posed by Russia.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in national defense, particularly concerning the strategic and technical role of anti-personnel mines. They reference the mines' effectiveness against "meat assaults" and draw upon lessons learned from the war in Ukraine. Furthermore, the speaker possesses technical knowledge in aviation, thoroughly discussing how fuel efficiency requirements for jet fuel impact engine wear (for example, with Airbus aircraft) and detailing the use of various fuel types in smaller planes.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, critical, and forceful, employing strong emotional appeals, particularly by referencing responsibility measured in "the blood of young men and women." Polarizing and condemnatory terms are used (e.g., "green madness," "simpletons," "suicidal"), and Isamaa's realistic warning is contrasted with the "populism and wishful thinking" of other parties. The argumentation relies on both historical parallels and the factual experiences of the war in Ukraine.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Based on the data, the speaker was active during the plenary session on May 21, 2025, delivering a long and detailed speech on the topic of national defense and posing two clarifying questions regarding aviation regulation. This indicates active participation in discussions concerning important security and economic regulatory matters.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party, the Social Democrats (including Sven Mikser), and Estonia 200, who are sharply criticized for their lack of realism and inadequate decisions (such as acceding to the Ottawa Convention). The criticism is intense and policy-driven, accusing them of naivety and taking steps beneficial to the Kremlin. A compromise on the issue of anti-personnel mines is ruled out, as it is an existential matter from the perspective of national defense.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the right of the Isamaa Party and calls upon all other parties and deputies to support withdrawal from the convention, noting with satisfaction that perceptions have shifted and nearly a majority of the Riigikogu parties now support the reintroduction of mines. Cooperation is being sought on security issues, based on the shared lesson learned from the war in Ukraine.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strongly on international and national security, emphasizing Estonia's geographical position on the frontline. Attention is paid to the united front of the Baltic states, Poland, and Finland, and their similar national defense considerations. Reference is also made to Russia's aggression and the US position on not acceding to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are restrictive regarding regulations, especially concerning green policy, which increases costs and calls into question the sustainability of the aviation sector. Cheap and effective defense measures (landmines) are preferred in order to save the national defense budget. Criticism focuses on regulations that could potentially have a destructive effect on engines and raise the price of air tickets.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative priority is to initiate the process of withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention in order to restore the use of anti-personnel mines for national defense purposes. Furthermore, the speaker is engaged in analyzing the impact of regulations concerning aviation fuel sustainability, predicting their negative consequences for the aviation sector.
3 Speeches Analyzed