Agenda Profile: Toomas Uibo

First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu (104 OE), titled "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Remove the So-Called Bronze Soldier Statue from Public Space"

2024-01-16

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting

Political Position
The speaker strongly supports the overall objective of removing Soviet-era monuments, calling them a "major and highly disruptive problem." However, he criticizes the narrow focus of the specific draft legislation, arguing that it concentrates on only one statue while overlooking wider issues. His stance is critical regarding implementation, as there is no clear plan for what will happen to the statue afterward or how to prevent a similar negative effect. His approach is value-driven (anti-Soviet) and politically demanding (requiring a long-term strategy).

3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the register of cultural monuments and the scope of the 'red monuments,' referencing over 26,000 monuments, many of which are Soviet-era. They stress the fact that the Estonian state pays for the upkeep of these graves, thereby adding a financial and administrative dimension to the topic. They also refer to earlier personal research and a published post titled ("Red Usurpers in Estonian Nature").

3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is critical and questioning, moving from initial agreement to sharp political criticism. Strong emotional terms are employed, such as "red usurpers" and "a very disturbing problem." The speaker relies on logical extension to demonstrate the true scope of the issue and issues a direct challenge to the labeling of the bill's supporters (patriotic versus hostile).

3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker references prior public activity, specifically mentioning a post published in early October titled "Red Usurpers in Estonian Nature." This demonstrates consistent engagement with the topic of historical memory outside the Riigikogu chamber.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker takes a stand against those attempting to brand support for the draft legislation as the sole patriotic act, criticizing this kind of hostile polarization. Furthermore, he/she criticizes the lack of foresight and the narrow scope of the solution proposed by the presenter, noting that it fails to address the larger issue.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker starts by concurring with the presenter's premise, signaling a willingness to recognize a shared set of values and the existence of the problem. The subsequent tone, however, is demanding and critical, focusing on highlighting political shortcomings and the absence of a proper long-term plan.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly nationwide, given that the speaker stresses that the 'red monuments' are scattered "all over Estonia," highlighting the scale of the issue and the need for more than just a Tallinn-centric solution.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker expresses dissatisfaction with the state's financial expenditures, criticizing the cost incurred by the Estonian state for maintaining the graves located near Soviet-era monuments. This indicates concern over spending the state budget on historically problematic objects.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is historical memory and national identity, which is undermined by the widespread presence of Soviet symbols in the public space. The speaker emphasizes the need to resolve this socially disruptive problem holistically and to avoid labeling.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the Riigikogu's draft resolution (104 DR) concerning the removal of the Bronze Soldier. The speaker is acting as a critical participant, demanding that the draft resolution solve the problem holistically, address other communist monuments as well, and present a clear long-term plan regarding the statue's future fate.

3 Speeches Analyzed