Agenda Profile: Urmas Reinsalu
First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu "Submitting a proposal to the Government of the Republic for the procurement of ammunition with a cost of 1.6 billion euros for the years 2025–2028" (540 OE)
2025-01-21
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is on existential national defense and the immediate procurement of ammunition, following the advice of the Commander of the Defense Forces, in order to prevent the temporary occupation of Estonia. He/She is strongly opposed to the government's sluggishness and indecisiveness, stressing that security must take priority over economic regulations. The political framework is heavily results-oriented and values-driven, criticizing the government's leadership capabilities during this critical situation.
24 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise regarding the figures related to national defense funding and ammunition procurement, utilizing specific sums (1.6 billion versus 598 million euros) and detailing the impact of value-added tax (90 million euros). He/She employs technical terminology concerning EU budget management regulations (ex-ante, ex-post) and references the professional advice provided by the Commanders of the Defense Forces and the Secretary General of the Ministry of Defense. Furthermore, the speaker is knowledgeable about the time estimates for the restoration of Russia’s military capability.
24 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is insistent, combative, and sharply critical, emphasizing the cost of indecision and the loss of time (a year and a half wasted). It employs strong accusations directed at the government ("stalling," "brazenness," "clumsy and slack leadership") and backs up its arguments with detailed figures and facts. It also utilizes rhetorical questions and references (Hamlet, ancient tragedy) to underscore the dramatic nature of the situation.
24 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker points to continuous activity since the summer of 2023, including making public appeals, submitting budget amendment proposals in December, and recently attending international meetings. He/She mentions discussions with Ursula von der Leyen and Merz, which demonstrates proactive international engagement aimed at finding financing solutions.
24 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the Reform Party-led government coalition, accusing them of indecisiveness, evasion, and the wrong setting of priorities (the Reform Party’s tax curve prioritized over national defense). The criticism is intense, pointing to the chaos in the political leadership of the Ministry of Defense and the insincerity of the ministers (Kaja Kallas, Hanno Pevkur). He/She criticizes the government’s inability to follow military advice and its tendency to backtrack on decisions made before parliament.
24 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation focuses on adhering to the advice of the military and civilian leadership (the Commander of the Defence Forces, Chancellor Salm) and supporting them at the parliamentary level. He calls on Riigikogu members to vote "according to conscience and national interests." There is no sign of cooperation with the government, as Isamaa's proposals have been voted down by the coalition.
24 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily on national security and the international geopolitical context (the threat posed by Russia, NATO requirements). Emphasis is placed on the need for proactive measures at the European Union level (the ex-ante model, utilization of structural funds), and Lithuania's decision to increase defense spending to 5% by 2026 is brought forward as a positive example.
24 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
He supports targeted borrowing (defense bonds) and applying for EU derogations (ex-ante principle) for defense investments, prioritizing security over fiscal discipline. He criticizes tax increases (VAT) and the use of the defense tax to finance the Reform Party's tax bulge, rather than directly procuring ammunition. He emphasizes that indecision is financially measurable (the cost of ammunition has increased by 400 million euros).
24 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is insufficient information. The social sector and healthcare are only mentioned in the context where the government's financial management capacity is poor and where defense spending competes with the needs of other sectors.
24 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the adoption of Isamaa's draft resolution (540 DR), which would require the government to immediately procure €1.6 billion worth of ammunition between 2025 and 2028. It calls on the government to take proactive steps toward the EU to ease debt rules and utilize revenues from emissions trading for defense investments. It also criticizes the coalition's previous actions in voting down Isamaa's proposed budget amendments.
24 Speeches Analyzed