Second Reading of the Draft Act (Bill 362 SE) on the Denunciation of the Agreement between the Republic of Estonia and the Russian Federation on Legal Assistance and Legal Relations in Civil, Family, and Criminal Matters
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Date: 2024-03-20 18:09
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 8
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 17m
AI Summaries: 8/8 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The second reading of Draft Law 362 concerning the denunciation of the legal assistance treaty between the Republic of Estonia and the Russian Federation was discussed under the fifth agenda item. The draft law concerns the termination of legal assistance and legal relations in civil, family, and criminal matters, and its connections to the functioning of the legal systems of both states. During the debate, political and moral considerations were highlighted: the nature of the Russian regime and its impact on the international rule of law and Estonian security. The discussion also covered practical procedures that might accompany the termination of the treaty in the future—for example, changes in legal assistance, document availability, and international cooperation, as well as obligations for the protection of human rights, regardless of which country they reside in.
The debate during the second reading was a mix of emotion and rational consideration: there was strong rhetorical emphasis regarding Russian aggression and the defense of democratic norms, as well as concern over the continuation of legal ties established under the treaty, such as rights related to maintenance/alimony, documents, and jurisdiction. Finally, a consensus decision was reached that the draft law must be finalized and a final vote held, which led to the conclusion of the entire process with the majority position being the denunciation of the treaty.
Decisions Made 1
Bill 362 was added to the plenary session agenda, the second reading was concluded, and the final vote was scheduled. As a result of the final vote, the bill was adopted as law: 52 votes in favor, zero votes against, and there were no abstentions. The consideration of the fifth item on the agenda was concluded.
Most Active Speaker
The most active representative was OrilBX3RJyY, who spoke on behalf of the Eesti 200 faction and stressed the political and strategic dimension of denouncing the agreement; his/her role could characterize him/her as a speaker who concluded the address, an “amendment proposer/budgetary opinion network,” and a representative who presented rhetoric reflecting the prevailing viewpoints. By position, they can be classified as “other” (not clearly placeable in the left or right political wing).
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas announced that they would proceed to the fifth item on the agenda, which is the discussion of the second reading of Draft Act 362, initiated by the government, concerning the denunciation of the Agreement between the Republic of Estonia and the Russian Federation on legal assistance and legal relations in civil, family, and criminal matters. He then asked Valdo Randpere, a member of the Legal Affairs Committee, to present the report.
Valdo Randpere
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Valdo Randpere pointed out that legal assistance received from Russia mostly depends on Russian conditions and often does not function as it should between rule-of-law states. He referenced the stalling of the Swedbank money laundering investigation and described the steps taken consensually within the committee: placing the draft bill on the plenary session agenda, completing the second reading, and holding the final vote.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas thanked the rapporteur, noted that there were no questions, announced the opening of the debate, and invited Kalev Stoicescu to the Riigikogu rostrum.
Kalev Stoicescu
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalev Stoicescu argues that the denunciation of the legal assistance treaty between Estonia and Russia is justified, given the context of the Putin regime, the Russian presidential elections, and ongoing human rights violations. He further stresses that terminating economic activity linked to Russia sets an example and will not result in any significant practical repercussions.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas offers his thanks and yields the floor of the Riigikogu to Eduard Odinets, who requests additional time and plans an eight-minute address.
Eduard Odinets
AI Summary
Eduard Odinets stresses that Russia is an undemocratic, totalitarian aggressor, and consequently, the bilateral legal assistance treaty must be denounced due to a lack of trust. However, the future organization of people's rights and assistance following the treaty's termination must also be considered.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas announced that the negotiations would be terminated, Bill 362 was being prepared for the final vote, no amendments had been received, and the leading committee recommended advancing the bill to the final vote. He then requested that a position be taken and a vote cast.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Draft Law 362, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning the denunciation of the Agreement between the Republic of Estonia and the Russian Federation on Legal Assistance and Legal Relations in Civil, Family, and Criminal Matters, was adopted with 52 votes in favor and no abstentions, and the consideration of the fifth item on the agenda is concluded.