Session Profile: Juku-Kalle Raid
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary sitting
2025-02-19
Political Position
The political stance heavily focuses on the threat of foreign influence, particularly concerning the subordination of the Russian Orthodox Church operating in Estonia to the Moscow Patriarchate. This position is value-driven and forceful, stressing that the Church's leadership is linked to Kremlin forces and poses a security threat. The speaker also attempts to highlight the political schizophrenia or contradiction within EKRE's stance on this issue.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a profound understanding of the history and political role of Orthodox churches in Estonia, specifically referencing the restoration of the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church in 1996. This expertise is backed up by personal journalistic research, including meetings held with Patriarchs Bartholomew and Kirill. Furthermore, this knowledge is substantiated by citing specific historical documents, such as a 1940s telegram from the State Archives.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is analytical, informative, and at times sharp, employing strong historical parallels and comparisons (e.g., the Stalinist sun versus the Putinist sun). The speaker utilizes quotes (Ivan Makarov) and personal experiences to establish credibility and underscore the unchanging political nature of the Russian Church. The objective is to convince colleagues of the seriousness of the subject matter and its historical continuity.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker references their previous activity as a journalist, which involved travel (Constantinople) and meetings with high-level church leaders. Their current pattern of activity involves highlighting political controversies and informing colleagues during the plenary session of the Riigikogu.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the Moscow Patriarchate and Patriarch Kirill, who are accused of serving the interests of the Kremlin and declaring genocide a holy war. Furthermore, the speaker indirectly criticizes the political consistency of EKRE, highlighting the views of their star columnist and asking whether the party fully agrees with those views.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperative approach is focused on informing colleagues and clarifying any confusion they may have, by providing historical and factual evidence regarding the nature of the Russian Church. The speaker requests that colleagues confirm that nothing has changed within the Russian Church, referencing the goal of reaching a shared understanding on the security matter.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on Estonian national security and the jurisdiction of the churches operating here, but the issue is strongly linked to the international context (Moscow, Constantinople, Kremlin forces).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient Data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
A sensitive socio-religious issue is being addressed concerning the subordination and loyalty of the Russian Orthodox Church in Estonia, linking it directly to the themes of security, foreign influence, and morality (support for genocide). The speaker emphasizes that this is a question of institutional religion, not a question of faith in God.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Insufficient data. The speeches focus on political analysis and historical explanation, not on specific bills or legislative priorities.
2 Speeches Analyzed