First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu (395 OE) "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic not to Recognize the Results of the Presidential Elections of the Russian Federation"
Session: Fifteenth Riigikogu, third session, plenary sitting.
Date: 2024-06-03 22:36
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 25
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 28m
AI Summaries: 25/25 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
Under the third item on the agenda, the first reading of Riigikogu Draft Resolution 395, submitted by the Isamaa faction, was discussed. The objective of the draft resolution is to firmly express Estonia's international position and to direct the government not to recognize the results of the presidential elections of the Russian Federation, citing the non-free nature of the elections and their conduct in annexed territories, as well as the desire to form a common position among European and neighboring states. The debate addressed both the legal landscape and the diplomatic ramifications, as well as the potential impact of the resolution on the status of the head of state, the continuation of diplomatic relations, and the recommended stances of international organizations.
The second part of the discussion touched upon the practical aspects concerning both the legitimacy of the Russian elections and the ongoing organization of relations with Russia. It was noted that the European Union and other Western countries, unlike some other states, have previously shown varying positions, either leniently or openly. Questions raised by the speakers included the reliability of e-voting and the impact of the Venice Commission's assessments on the diplomatic steps taken by states. Ultimately, the plan to issue a directive to the government not to recognize the results of the aforementioned elections was confirmed, followed by preparations for the final vote, in order to explicitly address Estonia's position in the international context.
Decisions Made 1
The Riigikogu adopted the decision on preparing the final vote for Draft Bill 395 and directed that the final vote take place, noting that the bill concerns the non-recognition of the results of the illegitimate Russian presidential elections and the completion of the current proceedings. It was also stated that a request for establishing a common position should be submitted to the government, and the standpoints of the Venice Commission and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe should be taken into consideration.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Urmas Reinsalu of the Isamaa faction, whose current ID is nHm--Ta7jVU. He is a key player in Estonian politics with a right-wing (right) orientation and serves as the faction's representative. His statements were frequently cited, and his viewpoints largely shaped the overall discourse.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas announced that we are moving on to the third item on the agenda, where we will discuss the proposal submitted by the Isamaa faction regarding the non-recognition of the results of the presidential elections of the Russian Federation for the first reading, and he invited Riigikogu member Urmas Reinsalu to the Riigikogu podium to present the report.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu stressed that the purpose of the draft legislation is for Estonia to define its position internationally regarding the illegitimacy of the results of the Russian presidential elections, given that the elections were not free and were held in annexed territories. Furthermore, the goal is for the Riigikogu, together with the government, to establish a unified position, ensuring that states adhere to diplomatic relations and international law in this regard.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas notes that the rapporteur has at least one question, and calls upon Kalle Grünthal to ask that question.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal stated that if we replace Putin with the Estonian Reform Party, the outcome would be exactly the same. He then asked why the legality of the Riigikogu decision has not been proven and why evidence is lacking, noting that his election complaint in Saue municipality was left unreviewed because it was deemed unsubstantiated.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
This is a legal and political proposal addressed to the government concerning the Russian presidential elections. Its author highlights the substantive deficiencies of democracy, warns against hyperbolic comparisons (such as equating Estonia 200 with the Hitler regime), and urges that all comparisons remain measured and avoid exaggeration, even when the situation appears to be spiraling out of control.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Jüri Ratas invited Anti Poolamets to take the floor.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets expresses astonishment at Putin’s Russia promoting itself as a pioneer of innovative e-voting states, and questions what impression this leaves when they find themselves in the same club as Venezuela and Estonia.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
I believe that given the presentation of very compelling statistical and mathematical analyses regarding the abnormality of the election results, I have no doubt that if paper ballots are being falsified, the inherent dynamic of this regime requires that e-votes are also extensively manipulated in order to legitimize the regime.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Jüri Ratas calls Priit Sibul to the stage.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul is asking Urmas why the government hasn't done it yet, pointing out that a long time has already passed since the Russian elections. He notes that while action is taken very sharply and quickly on some issues (for example, regarding the law adopted against Georgia or when changing Palestine-Israel policy), they drag their feet on others.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu pointed out that government representatives lack a clear legal assessment that would determine whether and how to recognize Putin as head of state, and what conclusions could be drawn from this, for example, when appointing an ambassador. Furthermore, the statement by the three Baltic foreign ministers was too narrow, focusing only on condemning the elections in the annexed territory.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invited Evelin Poolamets to speak.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The rapporteur submits a motion to refuse recognition of the results of the presidential elections in the Russian Federation and inquires about the next crucial steps the government ought to take.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu confirms a three-pronged approach: Estonia's position is important and holds symbolic value; like-minded states must be mobilized to adopt a common stance regarding Ukraine's request; and this is necessary for organizing future relations with Russia, assuming that Putin retains actual power within the country.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Jüri Ratas invited Siim Pohlak to speak.
Siim Pohlak
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Siim Pohlak emphasizes that Estonia and Russia are the two countries where e-voting is widely utilized. He then asks how, within the Russian context, the risks and vulnerability to falsification of these systems are perceived compared to Estonia, and what the general view is regarding the implementation of e-elections specifically in Estonia and Russia.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu said that the international assessment of Russia's elections stems from the evaluation provided by the Venice Commission, and that the question of the legitimacy of Estonian e-elections is a shared task. Although there is a problem with the trustworthiness of the elections, mechanical comparisons must not be drawn with the falsifications carried out by the Russian regime.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Jüri Ratas thanked the rapporteur, stated that the questioning period had concluded, and invited Eerik-Niiles Kross, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, to the Riigikogu podium for the next presentation.
Eerik-Niiles Kross
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The report highlighted the protraction of the proceedings, but focused on the illegitimacy of the Russian elections stemming from the changes to the Russian constitution and the referendums. Furthermore, international bodies (the Venice Commission, PACE, and the European Parliament) have called on member states not to recognize Putin as the legitimate head of state, which suggests Estonia should continue its policy of non-recognition: de facto Putin holds power, but de jure he does not.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas declares the discussions open, invites Ester Karuse to the Riigikogu rostrum, and assumes that the mandate of the representative of the Social Democratic Party faction is on the other side.
Ester Karuse
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ester Karuse stressed that Russia’s aggression in Ukraine must be unequivocally condemned, and the legitimacy of the Russian presidential elections cannot be recognized by either Estonia or the European Union, given that they took place under conditions of repression, occupied territory, and the absence of observers.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Ratas thanked [the previous speaker/audience] and invited Jaak Valge, the representative of the EKRE faction, to deliver a speech at the Riigikogu rostrum.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaak Valge said that they would vote in favor of the statement, according to the faction's decision, because they cannot trust Russia's elections or its e-voting, and they wish to avoid hypocrisy.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas announces the final vote on Bill 395 and calls on the Riigikogu to vote on the Isamaa faction's proposal not to recognize the results of the presidential elections of the Russian Federation.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Draft Law 395 was adopted as a resolution: 62 in favor, 1 against, with no abstentions; the consideration of the third item on the agenda is concluded.