Session Profile: Riina Sikkut
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-06-04
Political Position
The politician’s position is one of strong support for withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention, a move necessitated by Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and the significantly altered security environment since 2004. The decision is based on both policy and values, underscoring the need to grant the Defense Forces the flexibility to select weapon systems capable of countering an overwhelming adversary. The objective is to make aggression against Estonia unfeasible, while simultaneously supporting adherence to international humanitarian law. The Social Democrats support leaving the convention.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of international humanitarian law and national defense, citing the history of accession to the convention and the complexity of demining. Specific data is presented on the scale of Russia's mining activities in Ukraine (an area larger than three times the territory of Estonia). The importance of the military advice provided by the Commander of the Defense Forces regarding the selection of weapon systems is emphasized.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, serious, and urgent, emphasizing the pressing nature of the security situation and value-based defense. Strong contrasts are employed (past humanitarian considerations versus the current security requirement), and the adversary's behavior is described in highly condemnatory terms (war crimes, indifference to human life). The decision is referred to as a symbolic step, demonstrating a readiness to utilize all necessary measures.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the Riigikogu plenary session, taking part in the final vote on a crucial security policy decision. They mention that over the past month and a half, they have received a large number of inquiries in both Estonian and English from organizations and individuals, which points to active engagement with interest groups.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at colleagues who presented inadequate proposals or demonstrated a lack of nuance in assessing security threats. Helir-Valdor Seeder was criticized specifically; his statement was called "customarily very one-dimensional and insensitive to nuance" due to his disregard for the change in the threat assessment. Kalle Grünthal's proposal to use mines without withdrawing from the convention was also rejected.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style is strongly regional, emphasizing decision-making together with neighboring countries that share a border with Russia or Belarus: Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. It is affirmed that partners in NATO and the EU understand the decisions of the countries wishing to depart.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on international security, specifically Russia's aggression against Ukraine, and regional cooperation with neighboring states. Emphasis is placed on the readiness of the Estonian Defence Forces and the necessity of defending Estonian territory.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
No data available
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are addressed in the context of international humanitarian law and the protection of the civilian population, recognizing the danger and long-term suffering caused by anti-personnel mines. Although humanitarian values are important, the nation’s defense capability and security in the current threat environment outweigh the restrictions imposed by the convention.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the final vote for the law concerning withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, a measure the speaker strongly supports. This step is necessary to establish a legal basis for the Defense Forces to procure and deploy mines, in accordance with the fundamental principles of the approved security policy.
3 Speeches Analyzed