Agenda Profile: Kalev Stoicescu
Draft law (642 SE) on the withdrawal from the convention prohibiting the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines and requiring their destruction – second reading
2025-06-04
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is heavily focused on national defense and security, firmly supporting withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention. This move is justified by Russia's full-scale war of aggression in Ukraine and the resulting deterioration of the security environment. The stance is clearly driven by political and security imperatives, emphasizing the critical importance of defending the eastern border and the necessity of protecting Estonia "by all means from the very first moment of aggression."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the fields of national defense, security situation analysis, and international treaties, referring to the need to select weapon systems according to the nature of the threat. In particular, he/she is proficient in the procedural details of the Riigikogu, providing precise information on the procedures for initiating bills, deadlines for submitting amendments, and the processes for decisions made by the lead committee. He/She uses specific terminology, referring to the depositary of the convention and the sections of the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal and procedural, focusing on the precise reporting of the procedures for the bill's second reading. Although the tone is neutral and fact-based, the seriousness of the security situation and the need to grant flexibility to the Defense Forces are emphasized. Finally, a direct and intense appeal is made to the members of the Riigikogu to support the bill unanimously.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's pattern of activity is linked to specific legislative processes, which include the precise scheduling of the dates for the bill's first and second readings, as well as the sessions of the National Defence Committee. This pattern demonstrates swift and focused action in addressing security matters, ensuring the smooth passage of the bill through the Riigikogu.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
No domestic opposition or criticism is mentioned; on the contrary, it is emphasized that no amendments were submitted regarding the draft legislation, which points to a broad consensus. The primary opposing force is Russia, whose aggression is the direct reason for withdrawing from the convention. Criticism is aimed at the external threat, not domestic political adversaries.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is consensual and regional. In the leading committee (the National Defence Committee), all decisions concerning the approval of the draft bill's second reading text and the explanatory memorandum were made consensually. Emphasis is placed on parallel and coordinated action with Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Finland, with the aim of jointly notifying the withdrawal from the convention.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strongly regional and international, highlighting the joint steps taken by the Baltic states and Finland regarding withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention. At the national level, the priority is securing and defending the eastern border, which is directly linked to the deteriorating security situation in the region.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus has shifted from social issues to national security and strengthening defense capabilities, prioritizing the flexibility of the Defense Forces when selecting weapon systems. This emphasis suggests that security is being prioritized over international humanitarian norms (such as the ban on anti-personnel mines) in a situation where an immediate threat is perceived.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is the swift consideration and passage of Bill 642 SE (Withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention). The speaker, acting on behalf of the lead committee, is a proponent and champion of this bill, and proposes that the final vote be held during the second reading.
1 Speeches Analyzed