Agenda Profile: Kalev Stoicescu

2024 Report by the Minister of the Interior on the Implementation of the State's Long-Term Development Strategy "Estonia 2035"

2024-09-16

The 15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting.

Political Position
The political emphasis is heavily centered on national security, border defense, and countering Russian influence activities (hybrid threats, electoral rights/suffrage, the role of the church). There is a demand for the rapid completion of the land border infrastructure and the expansion of the comprehensive national defense concept to include vital civil services (cyber, healthcare, energy). These positions are urgent and aimed at solving specific security problems. The political framework is strongly value-based and security-oriented.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speakers demonstrate deep expertise in the comprehensive national defense concept, border management, and internal security. Technical language is employed regarding hybrid attacks, vital services, and legislative initiatives (the Readiness Act). The first speaker references previous close involvement with the context of border negotiations, which lends authority to their discussion of border security issues.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, serious, and pressing, especially in the context of the completion of the eastern border and the threats posed by Russia ("Kaua tehtud kaunikene"). Appeals are made both to logic (proportionality of funding) and to strong value-based arguments (suffrage, the Moscow Patriarchate). The second speaker uses comparisons to the Cold War era to emphasize the magnitude of the threat.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Regular participation in parliamentary security debates is demonstrated, referencing the Minister of Defence’s report from last week. The addresses were presented in response to the Minister of the Interior’s report, which points to routine involvement in discussions concerning ministerial accountability. The second speaker requested additional time, indicating a desire to address their topics in depth.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main adversary is aggressive Russia, whose activities (hybrid attacks, provocations, and sabotage) are deemed more extensive than those seen during the Cold War. Criticism is also aimed at Estonian legislation, which permits citizens of aggressor states (Russia and Belarus) to participate in local elections. Furthermore, the continued operation in Estonia of the church subordinate to the Moscow Patriarchate is criticized, as it has not definitively broken ties with Moscow.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The second speaker expresses clear support and recognition for his coalition colleague, Minister of the Interior Läänemets (Eesti 200), wishing him strength in strengthening comprehensive national defense. This indicates a readiness for cooperation and approval of the coalition partner's activities in the field of internal security.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus is placed on the eastern border, particularly in Southeastern Estonia (concerning the completion of the land border) and on the Narva River (due to border demarcation issues). It is emphasized that the border problems in Southeastern Estonia remain unresolved, despite the years that have passed since the restoration of independence.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic positions focus on the funding of national defense, demanding adequate and proportional financing for critical civil services (cyber defense, healthcare, energy). Specifically, it is emphasized that these sectors must receive support from the planned extraordinary major investment in national defense, and not solely from the jurisdictions of the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are addressed through the prism of security, demanding the abolition of the passive right to vote for citizens of aggressor states in local elections, considering this a matter of security and justice. Furthermore, concern is raised regarding the activities of the Russian Orthodox Church, which is subordinate to the Moscow Patriarchate, as it is viewed as a branch of the Moscow authorities that threatens security.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is placed on legislation pertaining to the comprehensive formation and legal establishment of broad national defense. Mention is made of the Readiness Act—or the Civil Crisis and National Defense Act—currently being prepared by the government, with the speaker/group being a supporter of this initiative. It is emphasized that the corresponding amendments have either been introduced into the laws or are currently in the process of being introduced.

3 Speeches Analyzed