Agenda Profile: Urmas Reinsalu
First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu (395 OE) "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic not to Recognize the Results of the Presidential Elections of the Russian Federation"
2024-06-03
Fifteenth Riigikogu, third session, plenary sitting.
Political Position
The political position is strongly centered on the non-recognition of the results of the Russian Federation's presidential elections, stressing the necessity of adopting a clear legal and political stance. This position is value-based, aiming for international repercussions regarding the status and immunity of the head of state. The coalition and the government are being criticized for delaying the legislative process of the bill and for their internal hesitation on the matter.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a high level of expertise in the field of international law and diplomatic relations, referencing the Vienna Convention and the Statute of the International Criminal Court. Knowledge is also displayed regarding the legitimacy of elections and the dynamics of falsification within authoritarian regimes, specifically highlighting the potential for the manipulation of both paper and electronic votes. Furthermore, reference is made to international parliamentary organizations (the Council of Europe, the European Parliament) and the assessments provided by the Venice Commission.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, analytical, and legally precise, emphasizing the need for a legal assessment rather than vague political references. The tone is at times critical and urgent, criticizing the wasting of time and labeling the coalition's inaction as "embarrassing." However, the speaker simultaneously cautions against drawing "over-the-top parallels" when comparing the actual democratic realities of Estonia and Russia.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of action is connected to the defense and presentation of the bill (395 OE), initiated by the Isamaa faction, in the Riigikogu chamber. It is noted that the bill was submitted proactively before the elections, but the coalition delayed bringing it to the floor for the plenary session.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is aimed at the Government of the Republic and the coalition, reproaching them for delaying the procedure on "incomprehensible motives" and showing internal hesitation regarding the interpretation of Putin's status. The criticism targets political indecision and procedure, not the personal level. The speaker also warns other politicians against drawing hyperbolic and inappropriate parallels between the Estonian and Russian regimes.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the necessity of uniting like-minded states to adopt a common legal stance regarding the non-recognition of the Russian elections. Reference is made to the Ukrainian state's appeal requesting that this step be taken, which signals a desire to act in concert with Ukraine. It is noted that the statement issued by the Baltic foreign ministers was too narrowly scoped.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strongly international, centering on the legitimacy of the Russian Federation regime and its consequences. Attention is also being paid to shaping a common position between Ukraine (annexed territories, appeal/address) and Western countries (EU member states, Baltic states).
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues, the problem regarding the trustworthiness of Estonian e-elections is briefly mentioned, noting that the government has not made sufficient effort to resolve it. This topic is, however, secondary and is used primarily as a context for comparison, intended to avoid drawing mechanical parallels with the falsifications of the Russian regime.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the Riigikogu draft resolution (395 OE), which aims to propose that the government deem the results of the Russian presidential elections illegitimate. The speaker is the initiator of this resolution (representing the Isamaa faction) and a strong supporter, emphasizing the practical and legal implications of the draft.
6 Speeches Analyzed