Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (536 SE) – Third Reading
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Date: 2025-03-26 16:12
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 142
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 2h 39m
AI Summaries: 142/142 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The presentation is of Bill 536, the third reading of the Act Amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia. The task is to discuss a unified implementation consistent with the Constitution regarding the right to vote in local government council elections, and to assess the associated timelines and risks. The procedure has been long and productive, and efforts have been made between the governing coalition and the opposition to find broad consensus within a complex security context. The bill has been drafted and includes two possible amendment proposals, introducing different compromise options and demonstrating the extent to which the Riigikogu seeks to find a solution that takes into account the influence of power related to the citizens of Estonia, non-citizens, and allied countries. The core of the matter is that the right to vote in local government elections will be harmonized between Estonian citizens, stateless persons, European Union citizens, and citizens of NATO member states, and positions and timelines are clearly defined and, if necessary, changes will be expedited. The mentioning of a sunset clause and the formation of agreements have been highlighted as an important part of continuous progress, and this has generated a broad debate on the topics of national security and integration.
Decisions Made 3
The committee decided to put the draft forward for a plenary vote on March 26, 2025, and at the same time consider the amendments that have been submitted in two versions: number 1 and number 2.
The committee decided to amend the Constitution according to paragraph 1, sub-point 3 of Article 163 and Article 166 of the Constitution, and to put the bill to a final vote under expedited proceedings.
Following the final vote, the bill was adopted as a law amending the Constitution with a two-thirds majority of the Riigikogu (a minimum of 68 votes in favor).
Most Active Speaker
The most active participant was Tz8V_keiCw8, who represents the role of Deputy Chairman of the Constitutional Committee and, representatively, answered several questions and was at the center of discussions. His role was coordinating and responsible: he stood in a leadership position to clarify the committee's positions and to guide discussions during the procedure that took place over four months. The relationships can be described as the "coordinator of the amendment procedure," and his role is externally coalition- and opposition-oriented, but more precisely defined as the committee's central representative.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The presenter explains the procedure for the third reading of the Riigikogu Constitution Amendment Act No. 536: the committee's report is up to 20 minutes long, followed by up to two questions; negotiations between the factions continue, two mutually exclusive amendment proposals and the nuances of their review; then a vote on the method of amending the constitution, where in order to achieve urgency a four-fifths majority is required (example: 19 against, 76 in favor); if the necessary support is not reached, the bill is sent back and continues; if support exists, a final vote follows and for the bill to be adopted as a law a two-thirds majority, i.e., at least 68 votes in favor, is required; and finally the Riigikogu asks Ants Frosch, the deputy chairman of the Constitutional Committee, to present the report on behalf of the floor's leading committee.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch gave a brief overview of the work of the Constitutional Committee between the second and third readings and of two amendment proposals: the 26-member version restricts the right to vote in local government elections to Estonian citizens (the rights of EU citizens derive from EU law), and the 55-member version removes the voting rights of NATO and European Union citizens and implements a sunset clause with transitional periods, meaning that in the 2025 elections stateless people would still have the right to vote, but the ultimate fate would come later; the committee decided to bring the bill onto the plenary agenda for March 26, 2025, to fast-track the constitutional amendment and to finish the proceedings with a final vote, emphasising that Estonia's affairs must be pursued jointly.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech thanked the audience, noted that there are many questions, and announced that the Q&A session would be opened by Urmas Reinsalu.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu said that the parliament stands before the Estonian people and that many forces, in the name of common ground, have secured their existing positions in order to serve the common good, to provide a vision for the future and to safeguard the constitutional order, and in the final stage there have been two amendment proposals, of which one is a proposal submitted by Isamaa and others and provides for solving the question immediately without a transitional arrangement; he noted that a large portion of the members in the committee did not vote, but it received a relative majority of support, and finally asked what those arguments were that were heard at the committee meeting.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanks the listeners.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu explains why the committee members' relative majority supported Isamaa's proposal and why it seems to the committee to be the more reasonable option.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch pointed out that in the committee 26 draft bills were supported, mainly by Isamaa, EKRE and some independent MPs, and although this has been on the table since 2022 as a clean version, for the sake of compromise one must consider it, because five members did not vote and one was against, and full support may not come, but the aim is to show a strong national backbone and to steer decisions toward amending the constitution.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Aleksandr Tšaplõgini to speak.
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
They are asking whether, before making decisions, risk analyses were conducted concerning security risks, political risks, international risks, and other risks.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch emphasized that the commission is dealing with the period between the second and the third readings, and there have been several meetings and experts have been heard; there is no separate foreign policy assessment, and in Estonia we still decide for ourselves, but the opinions of the Security Police and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are consulted.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech invited Vadim Belobrovtsev to perform.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He asks whether there was a discussion in the commission and what the justifications for the necessity of this step were.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch described the discussion between the second and third readings in two amendment proposals (by 26 and by 55 Riigikogu members), where the proposal by 26 members highlighted the need to see the political picture clearly right away and the proposal by 55 members to seek a compromise, and there was discussion of restricting the voting rights of non-citizens or stateless persons in connection with changing international trends and the risks of a migration crisis, which could in the future create a more difficult situation for Europe.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi invites Vladimir Arhipov to speak.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov emphasizes that in a democratic country every person must be able to have a say in the fate of their home region; local government elections determine the community's capacity, and taking away the right to vote must not be more important than Estonia's national defense, people's livelihoods, and the good health of the economy.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch stressed that amending the constitution is only one part, and the methods of integration must be revised, and the focus on promoting Estonian-language education and culture must be increased, because integration in Estonia is a two-way journey, which also depends on their willingness to integrate.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi asks Tanel Kiiki to speak.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik asks whether the Constitutional Committee discussed the question of how it has come to a situation where, 34 years after the restoration of independence, there are more than 60,000 stateless people in Estonia.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch said that the topic has been raised at several committee meetings, but has not been discussed in light of decisions or directions of work, and has been more informative and broadly educational, and although colleague Jaak Valge is well versed in this topic and offered a thorough scientific overview, the Constitutional Committee did not focus on it particularly between the second and third readings, because the main emphasis was on reviewing those amendment proposals and getting them to the Riigikogu, but your observation is important.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman invites Andre Hanimägi onto the stage.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Andre Hanimägi said that the bill, which has passed the first and second readings and which was initiated by 61 Riigikogu members, included, in addition to stateless persons, also citizens of allied states, and if these amendment proposals are adopted, the impact will extend not only to stateless persons but also to citizens of allied states who reside permanently in Estonia, and he asked how large this impact on the electorate could be if either of the amendments changes the original bill.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch said that the starting premise must be based on the Estonian people, that granting voting rights to citizens of NATO allies in local elections is not implied, and that omitting this proposal would bring no changes and would not alter interactions with organizations, and that mentioning organizations in the text of the constitution would be very difficult, because it is written for the Estonian people.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Alexander Chaplygin to perform.
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The speaker emphasized that non-citizens have the right to vote, and that removing this right and punishing holders of grey passports is problematic, and collective punishment is contrary to the constitutional principle and democracy.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch emphasizes that the right to vote is a citizen's right, and Estonia plans over the next four years to give non-citizens the opportunity to obtain citizenship, because most of them actually want Estonian citizenship.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This is a short request to present yourself to Riina Solman.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman stressed that local government policy is not merely municipal policy, but concerns the promotion of Estonian-language education and security issues (including in light of the Narva case), and she asked that a brief, non-classified summary of the committee's deliberations be shared.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch said that in the medium term this change is extremely necessary, although marginalized people may regard the process as offensive or as a deprivation of rights, and their impact on Estonia is small, because any potential problems will be handled by law enforcement authorities.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman, Toomas Kivimägi, invited Vadim Belobrovtsev to perform.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Belobrovtsev expresses confusion and asks how, within four years, it is planned to grant Estonian citizenship to holders of foreign passports, noting that this goal has not been achieved in 30 years, and whether a simplified procedure or some other solution will be applied in the process.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch thanks you for the question, notes that the questions are intertwined and must not run ahead of the train, and pledges to work together to reach the necessary methods and solutions, referring to the old jurists' saying that there are as many lawyers as opinions.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He invites Aleksei Jevgrafovi to speak.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Aleksei Jevgrafov states that the latest decisions will be justified on the grounds of national security, which is a convenient but slippery path, and asks whether the committee meetings discussed what the president expressed, because his position is that amending the constitution in this way is the wrong move.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The speech notes that the process of amending the constitution, which began in April 2022, has been a journey of public debate and seeking consensus, during which two competing draft amendments have emerged, and the commission has reached a phase of seeking a compromise, the final outcome of which will become clear in the plenary.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Vladimir Arhipov to take the floor.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arhipov claims that integration has occurred and that a citizen of another country or a stateless person may love Estonia as strongly as an Estonian, and the reason for revoking the right to vote is a political motive—the aim to eliminate a political competitor.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech expresses gratitude.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov poses the question of what is being done to Russian-Estonians who love their country, and what kind of blow is being dealt to them right now.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The deputy chairman, Toomas Kivimägi, thanks his colleague, declares the time for submitting questions closed, and asks to begin with the question.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov accuses the opponents of creating a fifth column and says that we do not wish you success.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi said that a colleague's time was up and asked that, from now on, they begin with questions rather than with comments.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch said that the topic of the fifth column in the Riigikogu chamber is completely inappropriate and threatening, and such matters should be discussed directly with the Security Police or the Police Department, not in the chamber.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman, Toomas Kivimägi, asks Helir-Valdor Seeder to take the floor.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder raised the point that if the constitution enshrined the right to vote only for Estonian citizens, it would be a collective punishment for stateless persons and for citizens of third countries, and he asked whether the same logic would apply to restrictions of other countries’, for example restrictions on participation in local elections, or the visa-free regime or visa obligations imposed on citizens of certain countries.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
This is the state's sovereign decision, made by the state itself, and seeking an emotional response from it — whether it is punishment, non-punishment, or favoritism toward someone — is inappropriate.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This is a short prayer submitted by Toomas Kivimägi to Riina Sikkut.
Riina Sikkut
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Riina Sikkut said that the constitution-amending bill is weighty and its wording is not suitable; the draft has changed significantly, and the added proposals will change the final decision and the right of more than 60,000 people to vote, and such a procedure must be avoided, because if we want a weighty decision, it must be carefully thought through and we must already have found areas of cooperation and points of contact in the chamber beforehand.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This was a short thank-you note.
Riina Sikkut
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Riina Sikkut asks whether the end justifies the means and whether what we all essentially support is the right decision.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech expresses gratitude to a good colleague.
Riina Sikkut
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Riina Sikkut asks whether, in a democracy, due process is not important?
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch says that if he had been prime minister in the spring of 2023, he would have solved the problem immediately, because at that time secondary issues were being dealt with and questions of statehood and security were neglected, and he is now calling to get this matter done right away, since there is still time.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The deputy chair, Toomas Kivimägi, asked Lauri Läänemetsa to take the floor.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
They ask whether it is appropriate in a rule-of-law state to say that a group—for example on the basis of citizenship or ethnicity—is a security threat, disregarding the assessments of individuals' actions.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch said that he does not remember those formulations from the committee debates, asked to bring them to light, noting that during the debates all factions can express their positions, and that the issue of the Russian Orthodox Church is legally complex, adding that Isamaa or EKRE did not demand differentiation based on groups, and that the rights of Estonian citizens are important.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Lauri Laats to speak.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
In the speech, the decision is criticized for leaving 150,000 long-time residents feeling that they are not trusted, and it asks whether they still believe in the rule of law.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch emphasizes that the rule of law begins with ensuring a strong citizen–state relationship and a functioning legal system, and among about 60,000 stateless people, about 63% want Estonian citizenship, therefore the state must intensify integration, the first important step being the promotion of the use of the Estonian language in education, followed by further steps.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech notes that it is now the turn of the former Interior Minister Lauri Läänemetsa.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets requests a more precise explanation as to whether there was in the committee a discussion about the need to amend the constitution for security reasons, and what those security threats were that concerned group characteristics such as citizenship and nationality, because he did not receive an answer and wants to know the logical connection between these matters.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch said that at committee meetings no exclusions are made on the basis of group affiliation, and the right to vote in both the Riigikogu and local elections is the prerogative of Estonian citizens.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi asked Lauri Laatsi to come forward.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats argues that the security aspect was left aside fairly quickly in the committee's work, and although at first there was talk that the constitution should be amended due to security risks, the protocols show that this topic is no longer a motive or guiding principle for the current changes.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch said that the discussion between the second and third readings touched on the situation as it stood, and in the spring this topic was not on the table, but in February there was also an opportunity during the discussion for committee members and Riigikogu members to become acquainted with the Kaitsepolitseiamet report, which was recommended by a particular committee member.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi invites Tanel Kiiki onto the stage.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik asks whether the submission of competing amendment proposals increased or decreased the likelihood that the constitutional amendment bill would gain support at the third reading.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
They emphasize that a change to the constitution will not solve the problems, and the best option is a compromise variant that includes a sunset clause and gives non-citizens and stateless persons this time the opportunity to participate, but motivates them to strive for citizenship in the next local elections.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman, Toomas Kivimägi, invited Ester Karuse to speak.
Ester Karuse
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
There were concerns expressed that the questions of applying for citizenship for stateless people and their inclusion have not been discussed sufficiently, and questions were asked about the government's plans and whether substantive discussions on these issues have taken place in other commissions, while noting that, according to the study, up to 79% would like to obtain Estonian citizenship and over 62,000 people are left out of the community.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch notes that the discussions in all committees and meetings with voters address the same topic, Valga is a multicultural city dear to his heart, and as the opposition he has not seen what the government has done, because the 2023 election results have brought negotiations to a standstill, but at present the Estonian Parliament is in a better position and we can listen to others and speak.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi invites Madis Kallast to speak.
Madis Kallas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Madis Kallas said that he has repeatedly supported stripping the voting rights of citizens of aggressor states, and asked the presenter whether the influence attempts triggered by several Riigikogu members using his address by name and sharing someone’s phone numbers are normal within the framework of the constitutional amendment procedure, or whether such conduct should be condemned in any case.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch said that he has been particularly inactive on social media in recent times, and if such a thing has indeed happened, it is regrettable and not collegial, and as the people’s elected representatives we should follow the principle of not doing to others what you do not want done to yourself, and to maintain Christian fraternal love despite difficult circumstances.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He turns to Andres Metsoja and asks him to take the floor.
Andres Metsoja
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Metsoja expresses deep indignation regarding gray passport holders, emphasizing that they have had the right and opportunity to become Estonian citizens, and urges people to ask instead what these people have left undone, rather than to blame the country.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch recalls Kennedy's statement that you should think about what you can do for the country, warns against the lack of a consumerist mentality and personal responsibility, and calls on people to work hard for the country and seek real help.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi turned to Anti Allas and said: "Please."
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He asks to list those problems that are being addressed in connection with the withdrawal of voting rights from stateless persons and that were raised during the committee meetings.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch emphasizes that the draft bill and two amendment proposals have addressed the issue of non-citizens, and the aim is to motivate them toward acquiring Estonian citizenship, pointing to large shares (approximately 63–79%) and to demographic development; even if half of them obtain citizenship, that is a good result—the glass is half full and the matter should be carried forward.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech asks Riina Sikkut to come forward.
Riina Sikkut
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Riina Sikkut stressed that democracy is a process, and what matters is how we make decisions; although since 2022 she has supported revoking the voting rights of citizens of aggressor states, she warns about the concealment that accompanies revoking the voting rights of holders of grey passports, and asks whose responsibility it is to define the process of applying for citizenship and how to ensure that stateless people would be ready to defend Estonia as well.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch emphasizes that Estonia's decision to defend itself with weapons is each individual's own choice, referring to Ukraine and noting that many Ukrainians fled and became refugees, and that no one can be forced to take up arms.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Madis Kallas.
Madis Kallas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Madis Kallas asked whether the Constitutional Committee discussed whether there are any parallels between the current amendment and the five previous amendments to the Constitution, and how those previous amendments came about, especially the danger that before the third reading a very fundamental change would be introduced, which was not addressed at the first two readings.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch stressed that an open and inclusive debate helped solve the problem and that no threat was perceived, but at the end of the day Riigikogu members must work responsibly and without feeling ashamed in front of the citizens.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The deputy chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Jaak Valge to speak.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaak Valge emphasised that questions have arisen about the rapid changes, and after the committee heard experts he asked whether there is a rift between the attitudes of people with Russian citizenship and those with stateless status, and at the same time noted that if there is no rift, it is odd that the Social Democrats want to eliminate the voting rights of Russian citizens, but not those of stateless people.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch thanked Jaak Valge for an extremely professional and incisive observation, highlighting that, according to experts, the attitudes of gray-passport holders and stateless people are not only correlated with the attitudes of citizens of aggressor states, but in certain age groups they are more radical toward the people of the Russian Federation in the context of the war between the Estonian state and Ukraine, and added that the Social Democrats' representation in the Constitutional Committee has been inadequate and the internal dynamics have not reached decision-makers, but Valge's observation deserves thanks.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The rapporteur emphasizes that giving assessments in the faction's representation committees is not her role, and she addresses Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvarti.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The speaker accuses the Social Democrats of a lack of consistency and of repeatedly changing their positions on the issue of amending the Constitution and on the voting rights of grey passport holders.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch notes that the situation is complex and dynamic, emphasizes the need for compromises and the role of empathy and intuition in finding a solution, and strives to work toward this end, avoiding breaches of parliamentary practice or intruding into colleagues' private lives.
Leo Kunnas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
In conclusion, it was emphasized that grey passport holders and citizens of other countries cannot serve in the Estonian Defence Forces or be active members of the Estonian Defence League, and may only be support members, which requires a separate admission procedure.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman, Toomas Kivimägi, opens with a laudatory speech and asks that the next speaker be Leo Kunnas.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch expressed optimism that the number of people who want Estonian citizenship is growing, because their motivator—the protection of the Estonian state—drives them to promptly settle their official relations with the state.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Tõnis Lukas onto the stage.
Tõnis Lukas
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Tõnis Lukas pointed out that Russia has actively tried to influence elections in recent years and will probably do so again in the future, and there are dangerously many people in Estonia who are not really locals here — they do not seek citizenship, do not learn the language — and are therefore manipulable, which is why local governments should pay attention to education and civil protection, including the transition to Estonian-language instruction and the issue of shelters.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
They heartily thank their colleague.
Tõnis Lukas
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Tõnis Lukas asks whether, at the level of local governments, national questions will be addressed by yet another topic.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi simply presented a note of thanks.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch claims that the Estonian state must impose language requirements in public authorities, otherwise it threatens the dignity of the state, and Estonian citizens must have equal rights both in Tartu and in Narva.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Henn Põlluaas was invited to give a speech.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas criticizes double standards in citizenship and the right to vote, condemns the use of fifth-column–threatening rhetoric, and reminds that the same parties wanted to preserve the rights of Russian and Belarusian citizens, while in Estonia voting rights are viewed as available only to citizens, which raises the question of why other countries are not as strict.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch emphasizes that some people expect to receive from the state and to have their rights preserved, while their relationship with the state remains unregulated, and this entitlement mentality, handed down as a historical legacy, is the main problem.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi gives thanks, concludes the questions, and announces the start of negotiations, and Martin Helme represents the EKRE faction.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
According to Martin Helme, EKRE stands for the Estonian nation-state, and in elections only Estonian citizens may vote, if necessary by developing a reasonable naturalization process, but without violating the constitution, and the other parties have ultimately come to the same principle.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He thanks you very much and represents the Reform Party faction on behalf of Eerik-Niiles Kross.
Eerik-Niiles Kross
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
According to Eerik-Niiles Kross, the third reading of the constitutional amendment has been calm and broad-based, with about 92% of the Riigikogu in support of it, and the amendment to the citizenship law to be applied for local elections is a timely step in strengthening Estonia's democratic sovereignty, which will finally end the transition period from occupation.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
On behalf of the Estonian 200 faction, Ando Kiviberg asks for clarification that, since only five minutes were used up, I did not interrupt so that the speaker could request additional time, and he would certainly have been able to obtain additional time.
Ando Kiviberg
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The briefing emphasizes that, in the face of Russian imperialism and hybrid warfare, amending the constitution is a decisive step for Estonia to end the Soviet colonialist's legacy, and this requires broad and unwavering cross-party consensus.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi asked for three more minutes.
Ando Kiviberg
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
I urge all those who still doubt to find confidence and join the supporters of the constitutional amendment, to show that we can stay united when the time demands.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanks the audience and, on behalf of the Isamaa faction, gives the floor to Helir-Valdor Seeder.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech lasted eight minutes.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder stressed that amending the constitution is a serious security issue, the aim of which is to create a secure and verifiable voting rights system for the future, and he called on all colleagues, regardless of party, to vote for it together.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanks the listeners, and it is said that Lauri Läänemets represents the parliamentary faction of the Social Democratic Party and that he is asked to be invited to speak.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets asks for three minutes of extra time.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech lasts eight minutes.
Lauri Läänemets
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Läänemets said that the Social Democrats do not support equalizing gray-pass holders with citizens of Russia and Belarus, want to accelerate the acquisition of Estonian citizenship and provide broader language-learning support, and are in favor of an urgent constitutional amendment to reduce Russia's influence operations and social polarization, while voting against both amendment proposals and calling for an end to smear campaigns and for listening to the arguments.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanked despite the criticism and announced on behalf of the Estonian Centre Party faction that Vadim Belobrovtsev requests eight minutes of extra time.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Belobrovtsev warned that removing the voting rights of 130,000–140,000 people would not bring security or justice, but would undermine Estonia's unity and trust in elections, and could affect local elections.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Kivimägi noted that the only option would be a rebuttal speech, but the representative of the faction spoke last, and the requests for a rebuttal speech continue, therefore Aleksandr Chaplygin will present the rebuttal speech on behalf of the Estonian Centre Party faction.
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin criticizes the amendment to the constitution, which would leave tens of thousands of Estonia's permanent residents without the right to vote, calls it a collective punishment and an erosion of state security and the principles of democracy, and rejects the claims that Russian citizens vote for Putin in Estonia.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
At the end of the speech, thanks were given, it was said that time was up, and it was requested that Urmas Reinsalu deliver a reply speech on behalf of the Isamaa faction.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
The Parliament should today adopt a decision of substantive quality that is in line with Estonia's national interests and the demands of society, and that guarantees legal certainty and the clarity of the law, avoiding the controversy associated with amending the constitution.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi ends negotiations, informing that the Estonian Centre Party faction's proposal to suspend the third reading is on the table, explains the procedure for examining two mutually exclusive amendment proposals and the two texts prepared by the steering committee, and asks Helir-Valdor Seeder to present the board's position.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
They thank you and ask you to vote in favor of this proposed amendment.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He informed his colleagues about the preparation of Amendment No. 1 for a vote and put it to a vote, emphasizing that the steering committee's position must be fully taken into account.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
26 Riigikogu members voted in favor, 73 against, and 0 abstentions; several Riigikogu members submitted the second amendment proposal, and the leading committee's position must be fully taken into account.
Õnne Pillak
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He represents the Reform Party faction and asks you to vote in favor of this amendment proposal.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi informed that preparations for voting on amendment No. 2 will begin and that the amendment, which has been submitted by 55 members of the Riigikogu, will be put to a vote, and he asked to take a position and vote in accordance with the lead committee's position.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Riigikogu voted 78 in favour, 21 against and 0 abstentions, praising Amendment No. 2, and now a vote is being held on the Estonian Centre Party faction's proposal to suspend the third reading of Bill 536.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi announced that the draft for rapid consideration of a constitutional amendment received 7 votes for, 92 against, and there were no abstentions, and it was referred to a vote the Constitutional Committee's proposal to treat the amendment draft as urgent, for which a four-fifths majority is required, i.e., at least four times as many in favor as against, and colleagues were asked to take a position and vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The proposal found strong support when 92 Riigikogu members voted in favor, 7 against, and there were no abstentions, and although this was the most critical vote, the final vote has yet to take place; Martin Helme, please!
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
One of our relays wasn't working; Rain Epler spoke on location, the hall was buzzing with a murmur, and the director consulted with an adviser.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman, Toomas Kivimägi, invited Martin Helmet onto the stage.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
They note that they were late with the request, but due to a fault in the control panel they request that a new vote be organized.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi confirmed the result of the vote with a gavel strike, offering as a compromise that a separate note would be entered in the protocol about Rain Epler's vote, thanked the participants and asked for the technical department's help in checking the podium before the final vote, and called Kert Kingo.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
Kert Kingo said that for him and Rene Kokal the image disappeared for a moment on both remotes, and when they moved the card, it came back, and during the vote everything was fine.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He invited his colleagues to perform a presence check to see if these remotes are working.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi informed that the draft constitutional amendment act No. 536 has reached its final vote, and for its adoption a two-thirds majority of votes is required, asking those present in the chamber to take a stand and vote.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Riigikogu passed Bill No. 536 into law, with a vote of 93 in favour, 7 against and 0 abstentions, after which applause followed.