Freedom of belief
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, information briefing
Date: 2024-11-13 14:39
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 10
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 10m
AI Summaries: 10/10 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
Today’s fourth question concerns religious freedom in the Republic of Estonia and related topics: the relationship of the local Orthodox Church with the Moscow Patriarchate and whether and how the state plans to intervene in the question of canonical ties of religious communities. The question was posed by Riigikogu member Vadim Belobrovtsev to the Prime Minister and focuses on the actions of the Minister of the Interior, Lauri Läänemets – specifically, whether his actions are independent "solo" efforts or coordinated government policy. The discussion also touches on the Riigikogu's recent position on the Moscow Patriarchate and a draft law intended to give the state a greater role in resolving cases involving religious communities and foreign ties, when those may threaten public order or the constitutional order.
In the second act, arguments about religious freedom as a fundamental value emerged, along with concerns about the dependence of religious communities and the limits of state intervention. During the speech, references were made to descriptions of the Pühtitsa Monastery, and it was emphasized that religious freedom remains and churches are not closed, but at the same time, a draft law is foreseen that could clarify and strengthen the state's possibilities for controlling such ties. Overall, the aim is to clarify how Estonia balances ensuring religious freedom, state security, and the protection of the democratic legal space, and what the government's plans are for further proceedings in this matter.
Decisions Made 1
Upon concluding the discussion of this fourth question, no decisions were made. Going forward, the central theme of the discussion will remain freedom of religion, the state’s role in monitoring religious organizations and their foreign connections, and the necessary procedure for adopting the draft law amending the law on churches and congregations. The discussion of the draft law is scheduled to take place in subsequent parliamentary sessions.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was the Minister of the Interior, Lauri Läänemets (as Minister of the Interior). He represents the government's position and his role is to organize and clarify the state's conduct regarding freedom of religion, churches and congregations, and their foreign connections. As a position, he is “other” (neither left-wing nor right-wing), but a government representative whose task is to emphasize the state’s initiative and legal clarity concerning the topics under discussion.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
A member of the Riigikogu, Vadim Belobrovtsev, submitted the fourth question to Prime Minister Kristen Michal on the topic of freedom of religion.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
A question regarding Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets' religious pressure aimed at separating the local Orthodox Church from the Moscow Patriarchate asks whether this is the minister's independent action or a government-coordinated step, and what is the ultimate aim of this tension.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said that the Riigikogu recognized the Moscow Patriarchate as an organization supporting the Russian Federation’s military aggression, and the state expects the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate to sever all ties with the Moscow Patriarchate, emphasized religious freedom and the possibility of giving the state a leading role in the future in light of legislative amendments, and called on all political forces to prevent the hostile actions of the Moscow Patriarchate.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chair thanks and asks Vadim Belobrovtsev to pose a clarifying question.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev said that although he does not harbor illusions about the Moscow Patriarchate, his voters—Orthodox believers—are concerned about the draft bill proposed by Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets, which would restrict the relations between churches and congregations and foreign organizations and could infringe on the principles of democracy and the Estonian Constitution, and he asks why such a document is even necessary and what will be achieved by it.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Michal said that the state wants to sever its ties with the Moscow Patriarchate, and work is underway on a bill for this purpose that Parliament will be able to discuss, while at the same time organizations should find a suitable solution for themselves.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chair thanked and invited Varro Vooglaid to present a supplementary question.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid emphasizes that the Republic of Estonia must not restrict freedom of religion or prescribe the monastery's canonical ties, and asks whether the government intends to forcibly seize the monastery if it does not wish to sever its canonical ties with the Moscow Patriarchate.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal said that the Parliament of Estonia has designated the Moscow Patriarchate as an organization that supports the Russian Federation's military aggression, and the interior minister's recommendation is to sever ties with the Moscow Patriarchate in Estonia; freedom of religion will remain guaranteed, and the bill will be brought to Parliament for discussion.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chair thanks and announces that he is terminating the consideration of today's fourth question.