Session Profile: Urmas Reinsalu
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-03-20
Political Position
The most crucial issue is national security, requiring the immediate closure of the temporary control line with the Russian Federation to mitigate the risks of sabotage and terrorism and curb sanction violations. The political stance is sharply critical of the government's actions, as it took 70 days for the draft decision to enter proceedings, which suggests a lack of decisiveness in security matters. The framework is strongly value-based (a national response to acts of terror) and results-oriented (the government's fulfillment of its duty of care).
23 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise on the topics of border security, hybrid threats, and international sanctions, citing warnings issued by Estonian and European security agencies and specific acts of sabotage (Estlink 2, attacks on vehicles). Technical terms are used, including (sanctioned dual-use goods, symmetrical step), and up-to-date statistics on border crossings are presented (e.g., 3,958 Russian citizens per week). This expertise is based on consultations with professional security officials and diplomats.
23 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style of discourse is urgent, critical, and authoritative, underscoring how regrettable the government's inaction is. It employs strong logical arguments, citing specific legislation (the State Border Act) and the practices of neighboring countries (Finland, Latvia), while simultaneously utilizing an emotional framework (the destruction of Estlink 2 is framed as a "terrorist act of very great impact"). The tone is formal, yet it includes sharp rebuttals and ironic comments directed at the decisions made by previous ministers.
23 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively engaged with the timeline of the border closure proposal, which was initiated by Isamaa in December and submitted to the Riigikogu on January 13th, while criticizing the government's slow reaction. Consultation with Estonian security officials and diplomats is mentioned. The pattern of activity is both reactive (a response to acts of sabotage) and proactive (submitting the draft bill), focusing on keeping the government under pressure.
23 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at the Government of the Republic and specifically at former Minister of the Interior Lauri Läänemets (SDE), faulting their decisiveness and priorities. The critique is both political (disregarding security to avoid upsetting Narva residents) and procedural (commissioning a threat assessment three months after the initial proposal). Counterarguments made by the Reform Party and the Centre Party are vehemently dismissed, though the potential for compromise regarding exceptions, falling within the government's purview, is recognized.
23 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is seeking a consensus within parliament to send a unified message to the government regarding the need to mitigate border risks. This cooperation is aimed at Isamaa initiating a bill and securing support for it in parliament, thereby fulfilling the obligation of political responsibility. They remain open to the government withdrawing the decision itself, provided the government agrees with Isamaa's proposal.
23 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on the Estonian-Russian border region, particularly the areas around Narva and Southeast Estonia, where closing the border would cause significant logistical problems and disrupt daily life. Emphasis is placed on the high volume of border crossings and cross-border commuting. Internationally, attention is directed toward the security of the Baltic region and the Baltic Sea area, as well as the border closure practices adopted by neighboring countries (Finland, Latvia).
23 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic considerations are being subordinated to security and the enforcement of sanctions. The speaker sharply criticized the violation of sanctions regulations (specifically mentioning the currency exchange business and the shipment of suppressors to Russia) and deemed closing the border a rational step to curb this business activity. Furthermore, the Minister of Economic Affairs (Erkki) was criticized for neglecting matters of economic growth.
23 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues (such as family reunification or the confusion among Narva residents) have been acknowledged, but they are prioritized below security concerns. The speaker stresses that closing the border does not violate international conventions. Furthermore, the speaker criticizes the Minister of Economic Affairs for delving into issues of gender equality and discrimination, arguing that these topics fall under the purview of the Ministry of Social Affairs.
23 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the initiation of a draft resolution by the Riigikogu, proposing that the Government of the Republic suspend the crossing of the state border pursuant to the State Border Act. The objective is to compel the government to make the political decision to close the border crossing points, with the Riigikogu itself acting as the initiator and driving force behind the move.
23 Speeches Analyzed