Agenda Profile: Jaak Valge
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 political stance is strongly value-driven, demanding the immediate removal of the Bronze Soldier statue from public space as a symbol of Soviet occupation and Russia’s revanchist propaganda. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of shaping Estonian identity and demonstrating credibility, since the monument’s continued existence supports the war in Ukraine. The speaker believes that the present moment (the peak of Russian chauvinism) is the most critical time to confront symbols of occupation.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the history and ideological significance of the Soviet monumental landscape, referencing specific events (the 1940 occupation, the 1946 demolition) and the viewpoints of art historians (Katrin Kivimaa). Sociological data is used to illustrate the wide gulf in attitudes between Estonians and non-Estonians concerning Soviet-era monuments. Reference is also made to the work of the Government Office task force on the removal of occupation symbols.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal and analytical, emphasizing the urgency of the topic by relying on historical facts and ideological analysis, and referencing a quote from the German writer Frank Wedekind. When responding to questions, the speaker adopts a defensive posture, employing ironic remarks ("such a nice, sincere question") while stressing the simplicity of the draft bill and the broad discretion afforded to the executive branch.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The scope of activities is limited to the presentation and defense of the draft act (104 OE) during the first reading at the Riigikogu session. The speaker refers to the work of the Government Office working group but notes that he/she personally has not met with security agencies regarding this topic.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is directed against attitudes that support the continued existence of symbols of occupation, which justify aggression, and indirectly against the government and the State Chancellery commission, who avoided resolving the issue of the Bronze Soldier. Separately, the government's interference in parliamentary work through confidence votes is criticized, contrasting this with the principle of non-interference outlined in their own draft bill.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is pragmatic, deliberately keeping the content of the draft to a single sentence so as not to dictate decisions regarding the monument's future fate to the executive branch (the government). The speaker acknowledges the colleague's comment as "very pertinent," but direct cross-party cooperation is not mentioned.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the Estonian national level (Estonian public space, the Defence Forces Cemetery) and the international level, analyzing Russia’s influence operations and the context of the war in Ukraine. Specific Estonian locations, such as Tõnismägi and the Defence Forces Cemetery, are highlighted as sites containing symbols of occupation.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among social issues, strong emphasis is placed on national identity and the inadequacy of integration, citing the differing attitudes of Estonians and non-Estonians toward Soviet-era monuments. The goal is to put an end to the glorification of the occupation regime and demonstrate a strong identity in order to improve integration. Emphasis is also placed on ending the desecration of the memory of Estonian patriots at the Defense Forces Cemetery.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the initiation of the Riigikogu Draft Resolution (104 DR), the aim of which is to oblige the government to remove the Bronze Soldier from public space within two months. The speaker, who is the presenter of the draft, emphasized its simplicity and the executive branch’s discretion regarding the monument’s final location or form.
17 Speeches Analyzed