Session Profile: Urmas Reinsalu
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-02-20
Political Position
The political focus is on the war in Ukraine, which is being treated as genocide, demanding a fundamental paradigm shift from the Western community regarding the scaling up of military aid. A strong demand is being put forward that the Republic of Estonia should not recognize the results or the mandate of Russia's "presidential elections." These positions are strongly value-based, emphasizing the definition of truth and holding the aggressor state accountable. The speaker demands that the Russian Federation be designated as a terrorist state.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding international law (specifically, the qualification of genocide and the UN Security Council) and the financial aspects of military aid. Concrete statistical data is used concerning Russian and Western expenditures (e.g., 100 billion euros in Russia, 0.075% of EU GDP allocated for aid), underscoring the gravity of the situation. The internal political confrontation within the United States and its effect on arms deliveries are also addressed.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely urgent and serious, stressing the gravity and critical nature of the situation, and noting that aid is "too little, and too late." It employs both logical arguments (financial data) and emotional appeals (deported children, the execution of Navalny). The language is formal and demanding, underscoring the need for action rather than "verbose and beautiful rhetoric."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
This is a speech delivered at a plenary session in support of a declaration, timed to mark the two-year anniversary of the full-scale war in Ukraine. The speaker reacts immediately to current events, such as the death of Alexei Navalny and the US domestic political standoff concerning aid. Information regarding other patterns of activity is unavailable.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main adversary is the Russian Federation, which is unequivocally labeled a terrorist state and a perpetrator of genocide, with demands for its removal from the UN Security Council. Criticism is also directed at the Western community and major Western nations, whose assistance to Ukraine is insufficient and slow. Specifically, the United States is urged to immediately resolve the internal political standoff concerning the provision of $60 billion in aid.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker, on behalf of Isamaa, supports the political declaration under consideration, placing it in line with previous political declarations. The need for cooperation with "like-minded states" (Estonia and others) is emphasized in order to put pressure on the West to secure military support for Ukraine.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly international, centering on the war in Ukraine, the actions of the West (USA, EU), and Estonia's role in applying international pressure. The need to find a legal solution to prevent Russian elections from being held on the territory of the Estonian state is also mentioned. Regional or local topics are absent.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic arguments center on the financing of military aid. The speaker criticizes Western nations for their excessively small expenditures (under 0.1% of GDP) and demands a fundamental commitment to ensure Ukraine achieves military superiority through weaponry and ammunition. It is emphasized that Ukraine cannot cope without Western arms assistance.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are linked to war crimes and human rights, with particular emphasis on the deportation of tens of thousands of Ukrainian children and ethnic cleansing in the occupied territories. Heartfelt support and solidarity are expressed to the families whose children have been taken from their homeland.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The immediate legislative focus is supporting a political declaration and defining the clear position of the Republic of Estonia regarding Russia's "presidential elections." As a crucial step, there is a demand to find a legal solution on how to prevent the holding of Russian elections on Estonian territory.
1 Speeches Analyzed