Agenda Profile: Peeter Tali
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 position is heavily focused on defense policy, firmly supporting withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention due to the deteriorating security situation. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of utilizing all means (including non-standard solutions) to defend Estonia and deter aggression, citing Francis Fukuyama's error concerning the end of history. This is a strongly results-oriented approach that prioritizes the nation's military readiness.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates competence in the field of military strategy and defense planning, utilizing specific terminology (e.g., Claymore, flanking charges, *strategitšeskaja maskirovka*). It is stressed that defensive structures (the Baltic Defense Wall) are pointless without minefields, a fact known to military academy graduates. The discussion also covers the necessity of mine production and the training of the Defense Forces.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is insistent, serious, and combative, especially regarding the topic of the eastern neighbor, where Putin is named the perpetrator of the crime of aggression and a war criminal. Strategic metaphors are employed (a poker game, having the cards in hand) to explain deterrence. The appeal is primarily logical and strategic, emphasizing the practical necessity of guaranteeing security.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker refers to international pressure (dozens of emails from non-governmental organizations) and information-based action with allies (discussions in the parliaments of Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, and Poland). The NATO summit in The Hague and military-level negotiations with allies were also mentioned.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong opposition is aimed at the Russian regime, and Putin is named the perpetrator of a crime of aggression who ought to face trial at the International Court in The Hague. Domestically, critics are targeting Mr. Grünthal’s skepticism and Varro Vooglaid’s stance on Putin’s “balanced approach.” Opposition is also directed at those who seek to make the withdrawal from the convention “softer.”
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is regionally focused and coordinated with allies, emphasizing the joint decision to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, made alongside parliamentary colleagues from Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, and Poland. It is noted that the allies (including Canada) have understood the situation, even at the military level. The speaker requests consensus support from their parliamentary group (Eesti 200).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily placed on national security and regional cooperation among the Baltic states, Poland, and Finland. Specifically, the text mentions the construction of the Baltic Defense Barrier and the presence of allied forces (Canada) in Ādaži, Latvia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on supporting Bill 642 SE (Withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention), which aims to provide the Defence Forces with the assurance and capability to procure or manufacture anti-personnel mines. The raising of defense expenditures is also cited as an action intended to enhance security. The speaker is a strong proponent and initiator of this bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed