Amendment of the Constitution
Session: 15th Estonian Parliament, 4th sitting, press briefing.
Date: 2024-11-20 14:01
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 12
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 14m
AI Summaries: 12/12 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The focus of the discussion is the amendment of the constitution regarding local government elections, and whether and how to include Russian citizens and stateless persons in the right to vote. Isamaa has long emphasized that restricting the voting rights of citizens of aggressor states is a priority for Estonia’s security and has initiated amendments to the constitution. At the same time, there is an emphasis on the need for a broad, even consensus-seeking majority to emerge, as amending the constitution requires significant consensus between the coalition and the opposition. The debate will address both substantive and procedural issues: what will the final draft bill look like and how to find common ground in order to achieve the necessary number of votes.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made. The meeting confirmed that a broad consensus (at least 21 members of the Riigikogu) is necessary to amend the constitution, and that combining and seeking compromise on the two previous draft bills is required. Future steps and support options will be discussed in subsequent meetings.
Most Active Speaker
The most active participant was Iov5Jop5kE4 (a member of the Riigikogu, in an unofficial role, but contextually representing the coalition/closely associated with the prime minister's role) and their position is right-wing (coalition, several parties in the coalition, including the Reform Party/Eesti 200/Isamaa).
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chair, Lauri Hussar, announces that the first question is addressed to Prime Minister Kristen Michal, presented by Riigikogu member Helir-Valdor Seeder, and the topic is the amendment of the Constitution.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder criticized the coalition's policy of intimidation regarding the expansion of the right to vote in local government elections for stateless persons and Russian citizens, stressed that Isamaa has initiated a constitutional amendment, and that historical experience shows that fears are not true, and asked why the coalition remains a hostage to the parliamentary minority—the Social Democrats.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Krist en Michal stressed that ending the voting rights of citizens of aggressor states is the main objective, and to achieve this a broad, cross-party majority of both the coalition and the opposition is required, as well as a compromise, which he also sees as necessary in discussions on constitutional amendments and in the accurate coverage of ERR's news.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Lauri Hussar thanks and asks Helir-Valdor Seeder to present a clarifying question.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder claims that the coalition has not found common ground and the opposition has not been involved, and the Reform Party and Estonia 200 want to expedite the withdrawal of voting rights from Russian citizens and stateless persons. The Social Democrats are opposed to it, and if the vote remains free, there is a large and united support in Parliament for this measure.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kristen Michal emphasizes that the removal of voting rights from citizens of an aggressor state is the most important issue, and to achieve this a compromise on amending the constitution is sought; discussions will take place one draft bill at a time and, if necessary, also within parliamentary factions.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chairman Lauri Hussar thanks and asks Tõnis Lukas a follow-up question.
Tõnis Lukas
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Tõnis Lukas emphasises that the debate is public and should lead to the next steps, and Isamaa has consistently sought to revoke the right to vote from citizens of an aggressor state and from stateless persons, but at the same time he asks how to determine who are non-citizens who are simultaneously Russian citizens, because their undeclared status may be a source of threat to the state.
Peaminister Kristen Michal
AI Summary
Prime Minister Michal emphasized that if there are substantive proposals, they will be listened to and discussed; in the Tallinn City Council no decision will be made on a constitutional amendment; municipal issues will focus on the operation of the school network, keeping kindergartens in order, and street cleanliness; and the constitutional amendment will be made in Parliament or by the will of the people; and the Isamaa faction's position on the voting rights of citizens of aggressor states is a good input.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chair finishes addressing the first question; before moving on to the second, Helir-Valdor Seedri has his hand raised and he poses a question about the procedure for conducting the meeting.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder said that when it comes to amending the constitution, amendment proposals cannot be submitted by all factions; at least 21 Riigikogu members are required, and formally only the Reform Party can submit them; the rest must seek broader consensus.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
He emphasizes that, although this is not a procedural issue, consensus and compromise in the chamber are certainly very important.