The voting rights of Russian citizens
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing
Date: 2024-02-21 14:17
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 10
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 14m
AI Summaries: 10/10 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
During the Riigikogu session, the response of Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets (SDE, acting as Prime Minister) was addressed, following an interpellation filed by Isamaa faction member Helir-Valdor Seeder concerning the voting rights of citizens of the Russian Federation and Belarus in local government elections. Seeder emphasized that the current situation, where citizens of aggressor states possess the right to vote, is absurd and constitutes a significant security threat. He criticized the promise written into the coalition agreement to develop a legal framework for the temporary suspension of voting rights without amending the constitution, deeming it political posturing and an unworkable solution.
Minister Läänemets affirmed that the Social Democrats have never ruled out a debate on the issue of voting rights, but stressed that decisions made hastily and in a "crash-course manner" could create new security problems, pointing, for instance, to the threat of radicalization in Ida-Viru County. He confirmed that the analysis commissioned by the coalition partners is complete and supports Seeder’s position: the temporary suspension of voting rights without amending the constitution is not legally possible. Läänemets did not give a concrete answer as to whether the SDE is now prepared to amend the constitution, emphasizing that the security threat lies not so much in the citizenship of the voters, but rather in the loyalty and disposition of the individuals being elected (Estonian citizens).
Decisions Made 1
No legislative decisions were adopted. The Minister of the Interior confirmed that the temporary suspension of voting rights agreed upon in the coalition agreement is legally impossible to implement without amending the constitution.
Most Active Speaker
The most active politician was Helir-Valdor Seeder (Isamaa), who submitted a formal query and two follow-up questions. Seeder represented a right-wing and conservative viewpoint, demanding the swift revocation of voting rights for Russian and Belarusian citizens on security grounds, and criticizing the government for its delays and for offering unrealistic solutions.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi now moves us to the second question, which is being posed by the Minister of the Interior, Lauri Läänemets, acting in the capacity of the Prime Minister, and the questioner is Helir-Valdor Seeder.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder is criticizing the coalition's plan to suspend the voting rights of Russian and Belarusian citizens in local municipalities without amending the constitution. He labeled the move a security threat and is questioning what the suspension precisely entails and how long it is intended to remain in force.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
The temporary suspension of voting rights is neither possible nor reasonable to implement, because it would require amending the constitution, no agreement was reached on this matter during the drafting of the coalition agreement, and due to considerations of democracy and security issues, the constitutional process must be adhered to.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi invites Helir-Valdor Seeder to ask a clarifying question.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder criticizes the coalition on security matters, emphasizing that although restricting suffrage is theoretically possible and amending the constitution is technically feasible, in practice, it is a foolish solution and likely impossible before the next elections. He then directly asks the Social Democrats whether they are prepared to amend the constitution and strip Russian and Belarusian citizens of their voting rights for the sake of Estonian security.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Speaking about suffrage, Läänemets stated that the debate must continue, and decisions should not be made in a rush, as the social and security implications must first be evaluated, and the viewpoints of Russian-speaking residents and the importance of local involvement must be considered.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The conversation suggests that compliments work, and even Helri's leniency pays off, if only for a moment.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The current situation recalls the coalition negotiations that took place a year and a half ago, specifically Isamaa’s proposal to restrict the voting rights of third-country nationals. It highlights the damage caused by citizens of aggressor states and asks what the Social Democrats' red line is and whether they are prepared to amend the constitution.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Addressing security matters, Läänemets noted that the problem does not lie merely in citizenship, but rather in people’s attitudes and backgrounds. Although Russian special services might utilize Estonian citizens, the solution must focus on education and socio-economic factors, as well as who is running for local councils and why.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanks the audience and concludes the consideration of this matter.