Session Profile: Kalev Stoicescu
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
2025-05-21
Political Position
The political position is strongly focused on enhancing national defense and security, firmly supporting withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention. The primary impetus for this decision is Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and the deteriorating security situation, emphasizing the need to choose freedom and flexibility in the selection of weapon systems. This stance is fundamentally rooted in values and security concerns, with the goal of protecting its people and state by any means necessary.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise regarding international arms control conventions and Estonian diplomatic history, referencing their previous role as ambassador in 1997. They are familiar with the Riigikogu procedural rules and use specific terminology (e.g., depositary, consensus procedural decisions). Their expertise also includes knowledge of international interest groups (ICRC, ICBL) and their positions.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal and procedural, focusing on the detailed presentation of the National Defence Committee's decisions and legal references. The tone is serious and resolute, emphasizing the urgency of the security situation and Estonia's firm intention to defend itself against the aggressor. Both logical argumentation (the necessity for security) and emotional appeal are utilized (a reference to the aggressor's hordes and occupied territories).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active representative of the National Defence Committee, participating in several meetings with both Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials and international interest groups (ICRC, ICBL) in December 2024 and May 2025. He/She has been appointed as the committee's representative for the first reading of the draft bill and is closely involved in the processing of the draft bill and the adoption of consensus decisions.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at Russia, which is labeled an "aggressor," and whose actions in Ukraine are the direct cause for the withdrawal from the convention. International interest groups (ICBL, ICRC), which rely on humanitarian considerations, were heard, but despite their attempts at persuasion, the decision to ensure national security remained firm.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation emphasizes consensus decisions within the National Defence Committee, where procedural decisions were adopted unanimously. Furthermore, collaboration is underway with the initiator of the draft bill (Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna) and the other Baltic States (Latvia, Lithuania) to ensure the withdrawal from the convention is carried out in a coordinated manner.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on international and regional security, particularly concerning Russia's ongoing aggression. Regionally, the emphasis is placed on the coordinated efforts of the Baltic states, Poland, and Finland regarding withdrawal from the convention, as well as the defense of the territories along Estonia's eastern border.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues addressed are the humanitarian considerations regarding anti-personnel mines, upon which international interest groups have relied. These considerations are acknowledged, but they are subordinated to the priority of protecting the state and the populace against an external military threat.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on processing withdrawals from international treaties, particularly Draft Bill 642 concerning withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention. Emphasis is placed on procedural speed and achieving consensus decisions to conclude the bill's first reading, given that the choice is simply whether to withdraw or not.
4 Speeches Analyzed