Session Profile: Kalev Stoicescu
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
2025-06-11
Political Position
The political focus is on national security and the necessity of severing, if required, the subordination ties of the Estonian Orthodox Church with the Moscow Patriarchate, which is considered a tool of the Putin regime. The speaker strongly supports the bill, rejecting claims of constitutional violation and emphasizing that this is a value-based defense measure against Russian propaganda and psychological warfare. The stance is strongly value-based, stressing that subordination to the Kremlin is not religious freedom that Estonia should be protecting.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the canonical subordination and history of the Orthodox Church, referencing Constantinople, the 1940 occupation, and the 1993 Tomos. The connection between the Moscow Patriarchate and Russian special services (Cheka, NKVD, KGB, FSB) is discussed in particularly thorough detail, as is the role of Patriarch Kirill (Agent Mikhailov) in espionage. Knowledge of the geopolitical context is utilized, linking the church’s activities to the aggression against Ukraine and Kremlin policy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, direct, and moral, employing powerful analogies, such as comparing the situation to tolerating a community subservient to an ISIS emir. Emotionally charged language is used ("to the criminal regime," "outrageous and deceitful accusations," "ridiculous"), and logic is appealed to, relying on alleged intelligence data and historical facts. The purpose of the speech is to emphasize the gravity of the situation and the baselessness of the opposing side's claims of apoliticality.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is insufficient data. The speaker refers to a recent Kuku Raadio broadcast featuring Bishop Daniel.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary adversaries are the Moscow Patriarchate and the Estonian Christian Orthodox Church subordinate to it, who are accused of being directly subservient to Putin's criminal regime and the FSB. The criticism is intensely political and security-focused, accusing the church leadership (Bishop Daniel) of disseminating Moscow propaganda and slandering the Estonian state at international forums (the UN, USA). The speaker entirely rejects the opposing side's assertions of apoliticality and claims that religious freedom is being restricted.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker voiced clear cooperation and concurrence with the positions held by colleagues Ando Kiviberg and Helir-Valdor Seeder, who likewise confirmed that the constitution is not being violated. This demonstrates a willingness to back the stance of coalition partners or fellow faction members regarding the current bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily on national security and international relations, addressing Moscow's influence, which threatens Estonian sovereignty. International forums and locations such as Geneva (UN) and the USA are mentioned, where church representatives have filed complaints. Reference is also made to Russia's aggression in Ukraine and historical relations with Constantinople.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The question of religious freedom is addressed, emphasizing that the state does not seek to restrict anyone's religious freedom, but rather prohibits allegiance to the Moscow Patriarchate, which is linked to the Putin regime. The issue is framed through the lenses of security and morality, distinguishing between religious worship and political subordination to a hostile foreign state.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on supporting a specific bill aimed at severing the Estonian Orthodox Church's ties of subordination to Moscow on security grounds. The speaker is a strong supporter of this initiative, defending its constitutionality and necessity.
1 Speeches Analyzed