The right to vote
Session: 15th Estonian Parliament, third sitting, information briefing
Date: 2024-04-10 15:31
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 12
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 13m
AI Summaries: 12/12 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The agenda centered on the interpretation of the results from the integration study and their implications for voting rights in local elections. On one hand, the presented material stressed that loyalty to the Estonian state does not derive solely from citizenship. Furthermore, the integration study indicated that the sentiments of residents of other nationalities—whether holding Russian or Estonian citizenship—do not differ notably. Marju Lauristin emphasized that these figures do not prove a correlation between Russian citizenship and loyalty to Russia, thereby undermining previous arguments concerning Russian influence. The discussions brought to light internal coalition disagreements concerning the revocation of local government voting rights for permanent residents (approximately 70,000 individuals) and raised the question of if, and how, the constitution might be amended. They jointly deliberated on various legal avenues: an urgent amendment in the Riigikogu (Parliament), or passage through two consecutive parliamentary compositions, along with the associated legal and political risks. The debate underscored the necessity of reaching an agreement within the coalition and taking into account the positions of the Chancellor of Justice and senior legal scholars before undertaking far-reaching legal measures.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made in this agenda session.
Most Active Speaker
The most active representative was Aleksei Yevgrafov (pid: h0h5_KKsWZc). He falls into the political category of "other" (meaning neither a left-wing nor a right-wing position). His involvement was central, and through long, detailed questions, he livened up the discussion and helped bring to light various red lines and interests within the coalition.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The next question is addressed to the Honourable Prime Minister, Kaja Kallas, and it is submitted by Aleksei Jevgrafov.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The results of the integration study indicate that loyalty to the Estonian state is not primarily linked to citizenship, and there is no significant difference in the attitudes of residents holding Russian citizenship and those of residents of other nationalities holding Estonian citizenship.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi briefly mentioned that the microphone had disappeared, then returned, and had been off in the interim.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Aleksei Jevgrafov highlights the results of the integration study and Marju Lauristin’s assertions that loyalty to the state is independent of citizenship, and that a correlation between Russian citizenship and loyalty to Russia has not been proven. He then asks what compelling arguments there are for stripping those 70,000 permanent residents of their right to vote in local elections.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kallas said that, in order to alleviate the fears caused by Russia’s war, a framework is being developed with constitutional law experts that would not require amending the constitution. Furthermore, the discussion about changing the constitution will take place in the Riigikogu and within the coalition, taking various differing opinions into account.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The Deputy Chairman expresses his thanks, promises to continue shortly, and Aleksei Yevgrafov poses a clarifying question.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
During his presentation, Aleksei Yevgrafov raised the issue that many Russian citizens residing in Estonia are unable to renounce their Russian citizenship due to bureaucratic and technical hurdles. They find themselves trapped in a vicious circle, which raises the question of what Estonia should do for permanent residents—people who were born and raised in Estonia, are law-abiding and loyal, but cannot apply for Estonian citizenship.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas pointed out that the process of renouncing Russian citizenship has been made so complicated that it risks driving Russian-speaking Estonian residents away from Estonia. In light of the integration study, she emphasized the strength of the Estonian state identity and the principle that loyalty to the state does not depend on citizenship. Furthermore, she noted the need for a balanced debate and the consideration of possible constitutional amendments, the final decision on which rests with the Riigikogu.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Toomas Kivimägi asks Mart Maastik to pose a follow-up question.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik asks whether the government has seen the security risk analysis compiled by the Security Police and which poses a greater risk—granting or revoking the voting rights of Russian and Belarusian citizens.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas stated that although current threats persist and non-citizens are unable to vote, it is necessary to discuss potential changes and investigate a system that would allow people to declare their intent to renounce citizenship, as many wish to become Estonian citizens but find renouncing Russian citizenship impossible.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Toomas Kivimägi thanks the honorable Prime Minister and concludes the consideration of this matter.