Session Profile: Kalev Stoicescu
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
2025-01-21
Political Position
The political position strongly supports defense expenditure (3.4–3.5% of GDP), but opposes the proposal to accelerate the fulfillment of the €1.6 billion ammunition procurement from seven years to four, deeming it premature and unrealistic. It emphasizes the importance of comprehensive national defense, which includes non-military capabilities and civil protection, and underscores the necessity of adhering to fiscal responsibility ("the hen should cluck only once the egg has been laid").
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the fields of national defense, budget planning, and European Union law. They utilize technical terminology (RES 2025-2028, eligibility for EU structural funds) and accurately cite the positions of the Ministry of Defense and the Legal Department of the Chancellery of the Riigikogu. Special emphasis is placed on knowledge of international agreements, such as the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel mines, and the need to reassess naval capabilities.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, procedural, and analytical, especially regarding the report of the steering committee, where reliance is placed on protocols and legal opinions. When presenting the faction's position, the tone becomes more strategic and cautionary, utilizing figurative comparisons (the Surovikin Line, the struggle for survival) and emphasizing the seriousness of security threats. Overall, logical and fact-based argumentation dominates.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active member and rapporteur of the National Defence Committee, who participated in the bill's discussions and the making of procedural decisions on January 13. He refers to regular meetings with the Minister of Defence and the Commander of the Defence Forces (for example, on December 9) and is prepared to provide written answers to any questions he cannot answer off the top of his head.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition stance is directed against Bill 540 OE, which was submitted by the Isamaa faction (Urmas Reinsalu). The criticism is primarily political and procedural: the proposal is premature, violates budgetary rules, and focuses too narrowly on a single capability. Furthermore, Isamaa is criticized for withdrawing a similar bill (589 OE) after joining the coalition.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation emphasizes the need to coordinate activities with NATO allies, particularly concerning the increase in defense spending and the review of international conventions (such as the Ottawa Convention). As the committee rapporteur, he/she seeks to maintain neutrality, avoiding the disclosure of his/her personal position before the parliamentary group’s address.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily on national and international security, with particular emphasis placed on the border shared with the serial aggressor, Russia. Specific regional incidents are mentioned, such as the destruction of underwater infrastructure in the Gulf of Finland, and the defense policy developments of neighboring countries (Lithuania, Finland) and other NATO periphery states are being closely monitored.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker strongly supports fiscal discipline and adherence to the current state budget strategy, warning that adopting the draft legislation would result in the violation of the budgetary position rules set out in the EU economic governance regulation. It is emphasized that the use of EU funds is restricted by EU legislation, and the money must be used quickly to stimulate the economy, not for defense investments.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Regarding social issues, emphasis is placed on the importance of civil defense as a component of broad national defense, with hundreds of millions of euros being allocated to this area. In the context of security, support is given to reopening the discussion on anti-personnel mines, citing the necessity of being ready for the "struggle for existence" and building a strong defense line mined using diverse methods.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is opposing Riigikogu Draft Resolution 540 OE, as it conflicts with the seven-year investment plan established by the government. Emphasis is placed on the procedural requirement that adopting the resolution necessitates a majority vote of the Riigikogu membership (at least 51 votes in favor). In the future, it is considered important to initiate discussions regarding withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention.
7 Speeches Analyzed