Agenda Profile: Mati Raidma
First reading of the bill (521 AE) on the declaration of the 1944 mass deportation of the Crimean Tatars as an act of genocide
2024-10-16
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political focus is on recognizing the 1944 deportation of the Crimean Tatars as an act of genocide and condemning Russia's ongoing policy of aggression in Crimea. This stance is strongly value-based, emphasizing solidarity with Ukraine and the Crimean Tatars and demanding an international response. It is stressed that Crimea belongs to Ukraine and this position must be supported.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the history and fate of the Crimean Tatars, citing specific figures concerning the number of victims of the 1944 deportation (over 200,000) and the percentage of fatalities (an estimated 46%). They are also well-informed about the international reaction, referencing Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Canada joining Ukraine's appeal. Furthermore, they demonstrate knowledge of recent diplomatic contacts, mentioning a video bridge with representatives of the Ukrainian Rada.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker’s rhetorical style is serious and urgent, utilizing strong emotional language such as "tragic and sad fate" and "genocide policy." The presentation is structured, dividing the statement’s content into three main themes, and effectively blends historical facts with moral appeals. The overall tone is one of condemnation and emphasizes solidarity, urging international action.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker has been actively engaged in preparing the draft legislation, mentioning the video conference held on September 25th with representatives of Ukraine, which was organized at the initiative of the Estonian-Ukrainian parliamentary group. He/She represents a declaration initiated by 54 members of the Riigikogu, which was accepted for proceedings on October 8th. This demonstrates systematic activity in initiating and introducing the draft bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is leveled against Russia (the Russian Empire), which is accused of pursuing a policy of genocide against the Crimean Tatars that has lasted for centuries and continues today. The criticism is intense and political, focusing on persecution, imprisonment, torture, and the destruction of identity. The speaker stresses that such actions "cannot be tolerated under any circumstances."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes broad-based cooperation within the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament), noting that the declaration was initiated by 54 members of parliament. International cooperation with the Ukrainian parliament and other allied nations (Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Canada) is also crucial, and this is cited as a model. This cooperation is aimed at creating a joint political statement.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly international, concentrating on the Crimean Peninsula, Ukraine's territorial integrity, and the fate of the Crimean Tatars as an indigenous people. The Central Asian region is also mentioned as the destination for the deportations.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus of these social issues is on the human rights of the Crimean Tatars, as an indigenous people, and the preservation of their identity. Emphasis is placed on historical and ongoing persecution, imprisonment, and the destruction of their language, culture, and historical sites. The topic is framed as a matter of genocide and indigenous rights.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on initiating and supporting the Riigikogu statement, "Recognition of the 1944 Mass Deportation of Crimean Tatars as an Act of Genocide." The speaker is the representative of the initiators of the draft resolution and calls upon the Riigikogu to support the statement. The statement focuses on recognizing the genocide and confirming Crimea's belonging to Ukraine.
1 Speeches Analyzed