Disenfranchisement
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing
Date: 2024-04-03 15:46
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 10
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 13m
AI Summaries: 10/10 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
During the fourth interpellation in the Riigikogu, the topic of revoking the voting rights of third-country nationals in local government elections was discussed between Minister of the Interior Lauri Läänemets (SDE) and Riigikogu members Aleksei Jevgrafov and Vadim Belobrovtsev. Jevgrafov asked the minister about the position of the Social Democratic Party (SDE), referencing the Reform Party's planned bill and Jüri Ratas's (Isamaa) recent change of stance. He also inquired whether SDE's position might change in connection with the formation of the new Tallinn coalition with Isamaa.
Minister Läänemets categorically confirmed that SDE is not discussing state-level issues ( such as voting rights) in the Tallinn coalition negotiations, deeming it absurd and mere campaigning for the European Parliament elections. He criticized Isamaa's internal confusion and warned that the bill to revoke voting rights is highly likely to be unconstitutional and would be rejected by the Supreme Court, an assessment shared by the Chancellor of Justice and the Minister of Justice. Läänemets emphasized that playing with such a topic is irresponsible from a security perspective, as Russia would use it to amplify inter-ethnic conflict. He warned that the failure of the bill after a long debate would lead to protest votes, which would harm pro-Estonian political forces in local governments. The Minister also referred to the integration monitoring report, which shows the positive attitude of Russian citizens towards the Estonian state, and stressed that revoking voting rights would hinder integration and create new security problems.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Member of the Riigikogu Aleksei Jevgrafov is addressing a question to Minister of the Interior Lauri Läänemets on the topic of revoking voting rights.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The presenter highlights the Reform Party's intention to strip third-country nationals of their right to vote in local municipal elections. They also note recent political defections (such as Jüri Ratas) and question whether the Social Democratic Party might alter its position if Isamaa becomes part of the Tallinn coalition.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Lauri Läänemets said that strange and confusing things are happening within the Isamaa party, and the issue of the Tallinn coalition is not being discussed over national-level topics, because this is the European Parliament election campaign, and the stories circulating in the media are simply theater.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanked [the previous speaker/group] and invited Aleksei Yevgrafov to ask a clarifying question.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Aleksei Jevgrafov expresses concern over whether the Riigikogu will begin debating the draft bill compiled by the Reform Party, which plans to restrict the voting rights of Russian and Belarusian citizens in local elections. This debate would proceed despite criticism from Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise, the stances of legal experts and officials, and the president's clear declaration that he certainly will not promulgate such a law.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Based on the analysis of the coalition agreement, it is clear that this is not possible without amending the constitution, and any temporary suspension would likely be rejected by the Supreme Court, meaning it cannot become law. Furthermore, from a security perspective, this would be highly irresponsible, because Russia could use this issue to amplify inter-ethnic conflict and complicate the situation in Ida-Virumaa, which would cause frustration and lead to protest voting in elections, resulting in long-term instability for the state and local governments.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the speaker and requests a follow-up question, directing it to Vadim Belobrovtsev.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Belobrovtsev pointed out that while Russian citizens in Estonia view the country positively and many wish to become Estonian citizens, it is necessary to consider what signal restricting the voting rights of Russian and Belarusian citizens in local elections would send, and how the Social Democratic Party would evaluate the draft legislation and the potential constitutional amendment.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets emphasized that the debate is crucial and both sides are justified in their concerns, but a single paragraph in the law will not solve the underlying problems; it is necessary to involve social scientists and assess integration and international law. The opportunity to amend the constitution specifically for local elections has passed, meaning the draft bill cannot proceed in this form, and before the next election, there must be a thorough, well-thought-out discussion that does not introduce illogical restrictions or security problems.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman concludes discussion of today's fourth item.