First Reading of the Riigikogu Draft Statement (420 AE) "On Declaring the Moscow Patriarchate an Institution Supporting the Military Aggression of the Russian Federation"
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Date: 2024-05-02 15:12
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 144
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 1h 47m
AI Summaries: 144/144 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The agenda item concerned the first reading of Riigikogu statement draft 420, which seeks to declare the Moscow Patriarchate an institution supporting the military aggression of the Russian Federation. The debate began with lengthy procedural questions regarding the timing of the session. Several Riigikogu members (including Priit Sibul, Varro Vooglaid, Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart) requested that the debate be postponed, as it fell on the first day of the Easter Triduum (Maundy Thursday) for Orthodox believers, referencing appeals made by Urmas Viilma, President of the Estonian Council of Churches, and Bishop Daniel. Riigikogu Speaker Lauri Hussar repeatedly refused to interrupt or postpone the session, emphasizing that the Riigikogu operates according to laws, not the Orthodox calendar, and that the Board lacks the competence to alter the agenda.
Jaak Aab (SDE), the representative of the bill’s initiators, explained in his presentation that the statement is directed against the activities of the Moscow Patriarchate as an institution that supports the Kremlin’s aggression and the "Russian World" doctrine, stressing that it does not concern religious freedom or the daily activities of Orthodox believers. Hendrik Johannes Terras, Chairman of the Constitutional Committee, confirmed that the statement expresses the political will of the legislature, providing the executive branch with a platform for further steps should local congregations not voluntarily distance themselves from the Moscow Patriarchate. A proposal by the Centre Faction to shorten the session until 1 p.m. was voted down (17 in favor, 51 against). The debate concluded during the question-and-answer phase due to time expiration.
Decisions Made 1
The proposal by the Center Party faction in the Riigikogu to shorten today's sitting until 1 PM was voted down (17 in favor, 51 against).
Most Active Speaker
Jaak Aab (left) was the most active speaker, representing the initiators of the bill, introducing the substance of the draft legislation and answering numerous questions concerning the purpose of the declaration and its legal consequences.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Riigikogu is beginning the first reading of Bill 420, which declares the Moscow Patriarchate an institution that has supported the military aggression of the Russian Federation.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul informed the Riigikogu Board that the Orthodox world is celebrating Easter and that Urmas Viilma requests that one specific item either not be debated today or be removed from the agenda. He then asked whether the Board had discussed how this debate should be organized and whether it could proceed differently, given that the first reading would entail a final vote, which differs from the standard practice of multiple readings.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar stated that once the agenda has been made public, a draft bill can only be withdrawn from the agenda upon the request of the bill's initiator, its presenter, or the lead committee. He added that the Riigikogu Board cannot intervene in this matter, as the agenda was approved on Monday, even though letters have been forwarded to the lead committee and the representative of the initiators for them to consider the situation.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid stated that the motion put to a vote incites hatred and is unlawful, adding that he would not support it. He subsequently asked the board why the vote was scheduled for Thursday—the first day of the Easter Triduum—implying intentional provocation.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar confirms that a position regarding the activities of the Moscow Patriarchate and Kirill will be adopted based on the commission's proposal, and the widespread signatures on the statement demonstrate its importance. Following this, Lauri Laats will raise a point of order.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He highlights a very important issue, regarding which two appeals have been submitted to the Riigikogu (by Bishop Daniel and Urmas Viilma), and recommends calling a recess, convening the Council of Elders, and discussing the matter.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar stated that the board cannot take any action, and that postponing the reading of the draft bill requires adherence to Section 54 of the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act, adding that the board itself has very few options for doing so.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Grünthal reviews the draft bill and requests additional documents or evidence, pointing out that the issue originated with Patriarch Kirill and is linked to the Russian Orthodox Church, and that public media criticism has given it a new shape.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announced that we have a document bearing the signatures of 52 Riigikogu members that is headed for a vote and is being discussed in the chamber today. The Riigikogu Board has taken this draft statement into proceedings and added it to the week’s agenda, and Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart then posed a question regarding the conduct of the sitting.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart requests that the Speaker of the Riigikogu call a recess until 2 PM and defer the debate until next week, in order to ensure respect for the religious sentiments of the Orthodox faithful.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar explains that he cannot call a recess before 2 PM, and the presiding officer of the Riigikogu session is only permitted to call a maximum 30-minute recess. Furthermore, the draft bill was added to this week's agenda by a decision of the Riigikogu and is currently under discussion. Ants Frosch raised a question regarding the procedure for conducting the session.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch said that the Riigikogu is currently at an impasse, and the only way out is to take a half-hour break, communicate with Mr. Jaak Aab and others, allow human decency and peasant wisdom to emerge, and put the brakes on the agenda.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar stated that he had already answered the question, would not currently take a recess, and that agenda item No. 2 would be discussed after the procedural questions were concluded. Meanwhile, Vadim Belobrovtsev posed a question regarding the procedure for conducting the sitting.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev questioned why this item needed to be addressed today, citing the statements made by Patriarch Kirill and the context of Maundy Thursday, and noted that both the council chairman and the representatives of the Moscow Patriarchate wished to postpone the discussion until next week.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
This address clarifies that the specific draft statement is on this week's agenda based on the committee's proposal, and that the Riigikogu operates within the framework established by law, not according to the Orthodox calendar.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul asked the Chairman whether feedback had been received regarding the forwarding of the proposals submitted by the 52 initiators, and whether the steering committee had convened in the meantime to discuss the matter, inasmuch as the steering committee possesses rights that specifically neither he nor the other people present today hold.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar stated that he did not have that kind of feedback, forwarded those letters to Jaak Aab, the representative of the initiators, and the steering committee, and highlighted Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart’s question regarding the rules for conducting the sitting.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart called upon the session chair to grant the promised 30-minute recess and, if necessary, extend it until 2 p.m., reminding them that the board had been able to take lengthy breaks on previous occasions, and asking them to be magnanimous and respectful.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar said that since the specific draft statement is on today's agenda, he does not see a reason today to call a recess in that form, and Ants Frosch asked a question regarding the procedure for conducting the session.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch stated that the Constitutional Committee had not received any supplementary materials, nor had the committee discussed the statements made by Bishop Daniel or Urmas Viilma. He then urged the committee to take a brief pause, quickly convene, and formulate a stance so that the subsequent proceedings could be handled in a civilized manner.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar stated that he had already answered the question, and since the draft bill has been added to today's agenda, he did not deem taking a recess necessary at that moment, instead directing attention to Varro Vooglaid’s question concerning the rules for conducting the sitting.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid criticized the board's decision to put the draft proposal up for discussion during Orthodox holidays, demanding an explanation and, if necessary, the postponement of the debate so as not to offend Orthodox believers.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman responded that they do not operate according to the Estonian Orthodox calendar, noted that the commission's proposal to add it to the week's agenda was adopted, and referred to Vadim Belobrovtsev's question regarding the rules for conducting the session.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
I have a purely procedural question: is it always the case that the committee proposes to process an item and the board agrees, or have there also been instances where the committee made a proposal, but the board decided not to include the draft in this week's agenda?
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar explained that the issue pertains to the principles governing the board's operations, rather than the procedure for today's sitting. He added that the board typically schedules draft legislation for the weeks and days requested by the committee, but in this specific instance, an exception was made, and this particular bill was placed on this week's agenda.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul requests that the board convene to discuss a proposal to withdraw today's agenda item from the current agenda and subsequently hold a vote on it in parliament. This request cites the various interpretations issued by the Supreme Court, the expansion of the right to parliamentary self-regulation, and the amendment of previous procedural norms.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar stated that the Board of the Riigikogu lacks such competence and that we cannot make that proposal. He referred to § 54 point 4, which must be read through to understand what can be done and what amendments can be introduced after the agenda has been announced, and he posed a question to Lauri Laats regarding the procedure for conducting the sitting.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats emphasized the importance of respect and magnanimity, quoted Archbishop Viilma's statement, and called for a recess and the convening of the Council of Elders to discuss the issue, the substance of which is difficult and serious for many Estonian Orthodox believers, and which should not reach the first reading of the Riigikogu plenary session on the darkest days of the church calendar.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar stated that convening the Council of Elders was unnecessary, as the matter was not a draft bill submitted by the factions, and 52 Riigikogu members had not expressed a wish for it. Consequently, he saw no reason to call the Council of Elders together, and his question concerning the conduct of the session was forwarded to Juku-Kalle Raid.
Juku-Kalle Raid
Profiling Eesti 200 fraktsioonAI Summary
Juku-Kalle Raid criticizes the wording of the agenda item, which asserts the declaration of the Moscow Patriarchate as a supporter of the Russian Federation’s military aggression. He confirms that this does not imply declaring Orthodox believers as supporters of military activity, condemns the defense of the Moscow Patriarchate by Isamaa and EKRE, highlights the violation of Ramadan rules, and procedurally requests that the acceptance of questions be terminated and that they move on to the agenda item.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announced that they would conclude shortly and proceed with the agenda discussion, after which Kalle Grünthal raised a question regarding the procedure for conducting the sitting.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal stated that the current draft legislation offends the sensibilities of the Orthodox Church, and he asked Lauri Hussar to utilize technical and procedural possibilities and not to proceed with the bill today.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar offered thanks, noted that the matter was not a procedural question, and asked Annely Akkermann to present her question regarding the procedure for conducting the sitting.
Annely Akkermann
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Orthodox Annely Akkermann voiced concern regarding Russia's bombings in Ukraine and the ensuing suffering and destruction. She stressed the rapid advancement of the agenda and remarked that the draft bill was appropriate for debate both on Christmas Eve and on Midsummer's Night.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked [the assembly] and announced that he would take three more procedural questions, after which they would proceed to the debate on the draft bill, limiting the acceptance of questions from Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart until Tanel Kiik's question.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder stressed that Isamaa is among the initiators of this bill, and asked everyone, when offering their evaluations, to be accurate and precise, and not to start making reckless accusations here.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks his colleague, states that this cannot be considered a procedural question, and refers to Riina Solman's question regarding the procedure for conducting the session.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman asks whether giving inappropriate assessments when discussing a painful issue is appropriate at all, and emphasizes that the origin of nationalism stems from the doors of churches, and that listening to the requests of the president of the church council is polite, not an insult to believers.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar noted that the discussion would focus on procedural questions concerning the conduct of the sitting, and these issues could be addressed both during the negotiations and throughout the presentations, which is the very purpose of the discussion.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik explains that his understanding of the statement is that it supports religious freedom and Christian values, condemning crimes against humanity and Kremlin propaganda, and asks if others have understood it the same way.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked Tanel Kiik and stated that they must begin discussing the draft resolution, clarifying that it was not a procedural question. He then invited Jaak Aab to the podium next.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab explains that the purpose of the Riigikogu statement is to condemn the institution of the Moscow Patriarchate, the aggression of the Russian Federation, and the justification of that aggression. He emphasizes that the statement does not concern religious freedom or the members of individual religious congregations, but instead focuses on the Patriarchate's activities and its endorsement.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announced that the Speaker of the Riigikogu had received a request from the Estonian Centre Party faction to shorten today's sitting until 1 p.m. Following this, preparation for the vote will continue, after which Lauri Laats will be given the floor.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The Estonian Centre Party faction requests a 10-minute recess before the vote.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announced that due to the 13:00 time constraint, he could not allocate ten minutes, but he could allow eight, after which there would be an eight-minute break and we would continue.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar put to a vote the Estonian Centre Party faction's proposal to shorten today's session until 1 p.m., and requested that [members] take a position and vote.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
17 Riigikogu members voted in favor of the proposal, 51 against, and there were no abstentions; the proposal did not receive support. Work will continue until two o'clock. Riigikogu member Jaak Aab was asked to return here, and we had left off at the questions and answers section; the first questioner was Aleksandr Tšaplõgin.
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Aleksandr Chaplygin said that he did not understand what the statement was intended to achieve or what benefit it would bring to the Estonian people.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman called upon Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski to speak.
Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The address details the concerns of Orthodox believers regarding the developments surrounding the church, and inquires about the consequences of the statement and how its adoption might impact the operation of the churches.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab said that the Riigikogu's objective is for the Orthodox congregations in Estonia to be separated from the Moscow Patriarchate and to continue their independent daily operations, even though two congregations—the Pühtitsa Convent and the Alexander Nevsky congregation—are still part of the Patriarchate, because the Patriarchate's rhetoric and its activities associated with war criminals threaten Estonia.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invited Varro Vooglaid to the stage.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid accused the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate of intending a forced closure, stating that the declaration is false and creates preconditions, and asked whether there is evidence of illegal activity and whether organizations in Estonia can be shut down based not on their actions, but on their potential influence.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab stated that there are no facts, and the congregations have not given a clear response to the appeals of the Moscow Patriarchate, although they have said that they do not support the war in Ukraine. He added that he is unaware of the legal nuances concerning forced termination. The statement reflects the will of the Riigikogu, but the subsequent steps and what the executive power must do if this comes to fruition is another matter entirely. Furthermore, no one is forcing the congregations to cease operations, because the Moscow Patriarchate, as an institution, cannot manage them.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invited Tanel Kiik to speak.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik questions whether the Moscow Patriarchate and Patriarch Kirill have demonstrated Christian values during the war, or if they have instead justified and fueled the conflict, pointing to the appalling statement released by the Russian People's Assembly.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab emphasizes that the patriarchy has adopted a path of justifying aggression, and Russia plans to expand its sphere of influence into historically dominated territories, likely targeting the Baltic states and possibly Eastern European countries, utilizing unspecified means.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Ants Frosch to take the floor.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch pointed out that the government and the Ministry of the Interior need clear next steps and autonomy, because the executive branch cannot do its job independently and must seek dispensation from the Riigikogu, referencing a Delfi interview about Interior Minister Läänemets where it was discussed whether his leg would grow out of the grave.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
He calls on the listeners to act, saying that it is their time.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch said that he has the same question for you.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab noted that in Estonia, most congregations are independent, but they are subordinate to the Moscow Patriarchate and are considering voluntary steps to resolve the situation, which will soon be discussed in the Council of Churches. He added that this entire issue constitutes an influence operation, the resolution of which falls under the competence of the executive and legislative branches.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Kalle Grünthal to the stage.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Grünthal asks what the legal basis is for accepting a petition without a court ruling, citing §12 and §22 of the Constitution, and notes that this exceeds the scope of judicial review and the limits of governmental powers.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab stated that the Riigikogu declaration is not a legal document, but rather a list of threats and risks. The objective is not to immediately initiate legal proceedings against anyone; instead, the congregations themselves should take action. If these steps are not followed, the executive power will assess what legal measures must be taken.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invited Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart to speak.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The speech accuses the Social Democratic Party of selectively protecting minorities, calls on the Riigikogu to meet with church representatives, specifically Bishop Daniel, to find a legal solution regarding the issue of marriage equality, and stresses that it is a legislative body, not a PR institution.
AI Summary
The Riigikogu has consistently monitored the actions of the Russian Federation and the justification thereof, and this statement arises from that, but it does not outline any legal steps. Furthermore, many factions wish to meet with Daniel or the leaders of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate to find voluntary and non-coercive solutions.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman called upon Jaak Valge to speak.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaak Valge compares the position approved by the EELC Consistory in 1968 to the invasion of Czechoslovakia, noting that there was no democracy in Estonia at the time and therefore the EELC cannot be declared a supporter of terrorism. He concludes by asking whether Russia is a democratic state and whether the leadership of the Moscow Patriarchate can decide these issues independently.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab stated that Estonia does not wish to influence faith and will not permit an institution to operate within Estonia that spreads and advocates aggression and supports Russia's undemocratic regime. Furthermore, he, along with Jaak Valge and Ants Frosch, noted the amended text, which aligns with Patriarch Kirill's statement.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks Priit Sibul to come to the stage.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul notes that the text of the draft bill has improved compared to the initial version, calls Kirill's doctrine problematic, and asks why the draft sees a direct threat to public order, given that Estonia has declared Russia an aggressor state, yet citizens of the Russian aggressor state are allowed to vote for Putin as well as Odinets and Ossinovski next autumn.
AI Summary
Many factions and initiators improved the text, and it got better, but the content of the two issues is different, and the statement did not mention voting rights. The discussion continues, and the Riigikogu's decision will become clear over time.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman calls Vadim Belobrovtsev to the stage.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Belobrovtsev refers to Daniel's claim that the views of the church leaders regarding the war differ from Patriarch Kirill's. He emphasizes that the National Assembly document is not a guideline for them and that it does not align with the spirit of the Gospel, finally asking whether this is a campaign by Lauri Läänemets in the Riigikogu.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab stresses that this is not a campaign, but rather that the influence operations of the Moscow Patriarchate could pose a threat to Estonian security, a fact also pointed out in the KAPO yearbook, and around which meetings with congregations are currently being held. He hopes that the understanding shown by the leaders of the congregations and the church will lead to the severing of these ties — this text is Daniel’s statement following the emergence of these events.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks colleagues Varro Vooglaid and Kalle Grünthal and explains that within the framework of this discussion format, a member of the Riigikogu may pose one oral question to each presenter (the second question may be posed to the subsequent presenter). He then turns his attention to Andre Hanimägi, inviting Andre Hanimägi to speak.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Andre Hanimägi points out that Urmas Viilma's statement regarding the idea of the Russian World threatens the Estonian state and the church, and questions whether the Riigikogu understands who these members represent and what they are prepared to keep silent about.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab said that 52 members of the Riigikogu have signed a statement that focuses on the activities of the Moscow Patriarchate and does not concern faith, religious traditions, or everyday activities, nor does it restrict religious freedom.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called Alar Laneman to the floor because he was initially absent from the chamber. Laneman eventually arrived, and Hussar emphasized that a Member of the Riigikogu may ask one oral question to each of the two rapporteurs.
Alar Laneman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Alar Laneman asks about the impact of the timing on the attitude of church members and believers toward Russia's attack on Ukraine, and wants to know the planning process that took place to draft the statement, while simultaneously affirming that the statement is necessary and he agrees with it.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab stated that Kirill’s March 27 statements were not planned by the initiators but stemmed from the assessments of the security authorities, emphasized the separation of state and church in Estonia, and noted that the activities of the institution of the Moscow Patriarchate must be kept separate. Furthermore, a clear will must be expressed in the Riigikogu, on the basis of which the executive branch should proceed.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
This address is simply a request to invite Aleksei Yevgrafov to the stage.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Aleksei Yevgrafov noted that Jaak had initiated a declaration identifying the Moscow Patriarchate as an institution supporting the Russian Federation's military aggression. He emphasized that the church leadership does not support Patriarch Kirill’s declaration of a holy war, and asked whether Jaak had found the time and opportunity to meet with representatives and/or members of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate to understand their views.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab said that he has not yet personally met with the leaders of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, but he has received appeals and recommended that the parliamentary factions hold meetings. He is prepared to meet with their leaders after the holidays and after May 9th to discuss what happens next, because he cannot tacitly approve Kirill's calls. He is urging the church leaders to provide a fair assessment, which is what he intends to ask for when he meets with them.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invited Leo Kunnas to take the floor.
Leo Kunnas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Leo Kunnas notes that the initial text has significantly changed, stresses that an entire religious organization, as well as Muslims or Islamic religious leaders, must not be declared terrorists, commends the improvement in the text’s clarity and constructiveness, and asks how this change led to today’s improved text.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab explained that the initial text did not label the Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate as a terrorist organization. Instead, it stated that the Moscow Patriarchate is a state that has supported the Russian Federation's terrorism and terrorist activities. He noted that "military aggression" was mentioned in the headline, but the message essentially remained the same, and he considered the drafters' amendments to be good.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The speaker asks Riina Solman and all colleagues to remain in their seats and wait for their turn to come up, so that no time is wasted.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman questioned the procedural process, emphasizing that it was offensive to people and violated their freedom of religion. She further asked if the Estonian-language understanding was being missed, and why the application could not be carefully considered based on the plea, despite the fact that Isamaa had already voted in its favour.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab said that the statement concerns the Moscow Patriarchate, does not concern everyday church or religious activities, and should not be merely symbolic. He highlighted the appeal made by Urmas Viilma and Daniel, adding that its adoption today is unlikely, even while simultaneously listening to various opinions, including those of Russian Orthodox believers.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Helir-Valdor Seeder to take the floor.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder asks whether the Riigikogu's political statement carries internal legal weight or if it is merely a political expression, and whether it would assist the ministry and enable subsequent legal steps, including the compulsory dissolution of Nevsky Cathedral, Kuremäe Convent, and the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, and what those next steps are.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab confirmed that the statement requests that, based on the congregations' own assessment, there would be no ties with the Moscow Patriarchate, but no concrete steps have been stipulated, and the decision to take them depends on the course of the process.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman invites Lauri Laats to the stage.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats said that the statements made by the Russian People's Assembly regarding holy war and joining Russia are unacceptable, but he emphasized the need to plan comprehensive communication work to explain the background of these statements, determine how to reach all approximately 150,000 Orthodox members, and clarify who will deal with this topic going forward, regardless of whether a decision is adopted.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab stressed that the planned action is not the persecution of believers, but rather the condemnation of the aggression perpetrated by the regime of the Moscow Patriarchate, and while congregations have been receptive to this understanding, concrete action is also required.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invited Tõnis Lukas to take the floor.
Tõnis Lukas
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
I support the statement and have signed it because this Great and Holy Week for Orthodox believers should be a time of peace and quiet, not conflict. I am also asking whether Patriarch Kirill or the Moscow Orthodox Church has proposed a ceasefire to end the slaughter in Ukraine.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
This is a short appeal: use your time and act.
Tõnis Lukas
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
He/She asks whether there are any church initiatives that address Holy Week and peace.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab stated that the aggressive declaration aimed at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church comes from the umbrella organization of the Moscow Patriarchate, that attempts are being made to use it for purposes connected to the Kremlin, and that while it does not concern the faithful or the congregations, it must be understood in Estonia that congregations cannot be subordinate to it.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanked the rapporteur, concluded the questioning, and requested that Hendrik Johannes Terras, the Chairman of the Constitutional Committee, be called to the Riigikogu rostrum to introduce the debate held within the Constitutional Committee.
Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
The Riigikogu statement expresses the political will to terminate the subordination of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate to Russia’s sphere of influence, while simultaneously ensuring that churches remain open and services continue, and reducing Russian influence on Estonia’s security.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanked the presenter, announced that there were several questions, and introduced Vadim Belobrovtsev as the first questioner.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
He is asking why the proceedings took place specifically today, during the Maundy Thursday holiday, and whether this was the commission’s preference or a deliberate scheduling choice.
Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Terras stated that the committee was aware of the matter but intentionally decided not to address it today. He stressed that Estonia is a secular state, and the Riigikogu (Parliament) and the church operate separately. He noted that we have our own work and they have theirs, meaning he sees no overlap. The statement itself came from the committee and was placed on the agenda for next week, and there was nothing more behind it.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Ants Frosch is called to the stage.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The Constitutional Committee placed this on the agenda, but a dynamic has emerged by today where Daniel, the Vicar Bishop of the Tallinn Diocese, and Archbishop Urmas Viilma presented a clear request not to discuss or make a decision today.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The speech focuses on the collaboration with Vilja Kiisler.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
In an interview, Ants Frosch discusses the slow and steady approach, referencing Läänemets’ proposal and our current practice, and apologizes for that blunder.
Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Terras emphasized that the resolution must be adopted immediately, given that the Moscow Patriarchate’s activity as an organization supporting the Russian regime has been known for a long time—in fact, this action is already 30 years late. While subsequent steps need to be considered, quick adoption is reasonable, and further measures will be debated later.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks Leo Kunnas to come to the stage.
Leo Kunnas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Leo Kunnas asks how the Orthodox Church could transition from the Moscow Patriarchate to the jurisdiction of the Constantinople Patriarchate, and what steps might be possible to take to advance this process, emphasizing that the state cannot influence the church, and whether positive ways for advancement have been discussed in the commission.
Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
As a state, we do not regulate the activities of churches. However, the Moscow Patriarchate, having declared a holy war against the Western world, has no right to operate in Estonia, and its activities must be ceased. What happens next is a very legitimate concern, which will be discussed once we have the subsequent steps planned out.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman called Priit Sibul to the stage.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul states that the executive power operates according to the law and does not require political statements. He criticizes the claim of a 30-year delay, recalls the 2002 registration of the Moscow Patriarchate congregations by Ain Seppik and Siim Kallas, and asks the commission whether these individuals were involved in the founding of the Estonian church and what their responsibility is.
Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Hendrik Johannes Terras thanked [them] for the question but did not discuss the topic.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman calls upon Jaak Valge to speak.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaak Valge stated that due to the amendment introduced in the committee, his statement has not been approved in its entirety, and that when addressing the security question, it is necessary to evaluate which poses the greater threat: mass immigration from Eastern Slavic countries or the ties between Estonian Orthodox associations and congregations and the Moscow Patriarchate.
Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Hendrik Johannes Terras stated that he was only representing his personal opinion. He emphasized that it is crucial to ensure that the organization declaring holy war is clearly identified as an organization that supported the war. This topic is being discussed in the committee today, and they hope to discuss the following questions in the future.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks for Aleksandr Tšaplõgin to be invited to speak.
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
I have been listening to Jaak Aab and you for two hours now, and I still lack clarity regarding the statement, because initially it was said that Estonian believers have nothing to do with it, but later it was claimed that you wish to influence them, and I would like to know where the truth lies.
Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
He/She pointed out that the Moscow Patriarchate is using itself as an umbrella organization to influence subordinate organizations and individuals located in the Republic of Estonia in a hybrid war, and this must be stopped.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar offers his thanks and invites Kalle Grünthal to take the floor.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal stresses that the statement claims the Moscow Patriarchate has been declared an institution supporting the military aggression of the Russian Federation, asks for evidence concerning Kirill, emphasizes that Article 22 of the Constitution prohibits declaring anyone guilty before a court judgment has entered into force, and questions whether this article is still applicable.
Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
He thanks for the question and confirms that this paragraph is currently in force.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called Aleksei Jevgrafov onto the stage.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The address highlights the designation of the Moscow Patriarchate as an institution that has supported the Russian Federation's military aggression, and inquires whether the respondent has met with representatives or members of the Estonian Orthodox Church to ascertain their views.
Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Hendrik Johannes Terras thanked his colleague for the question and stated that such an opportunity had not presented itself to him.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder stated that Russia is attempting to influence Estonia and that the Constitutional Committee should review both the KAPO report and the risk analysis concerning the Moscow Patriarchate so that decision-makers can fully grasp the context and the risks involved. He supported this statement regardless.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Helir-Valdor Seeder to speak.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The speech emphasizes that now is your time to act.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
He asks whether it would be possible for the Constitutional Committee, and whether you have applied for that possibility.
Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Thank you for the question, dear colleague. I believe it would be better to discuss this amongst ourselves, rather than here in the main chamber, and if anyone requests it, we will certainly grant access to this report.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman called Varro Vooglaid to the stage.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid asks how the promise that congregations can continue their activities squares with the Interior Minister’s threat to close the Pühtitsa Convent, and whether the commission discussed what such threats are actually trying to achieve and whether they reduce or increase national tensions.
Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Terras said that the commission did not look at it in detail, and the Moscow Patriarchate, which has declared a holy war on the Western world, is not an organization operating in Estonia, and such a claim would be absurd.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Hussar gives thanks and addresses Lauri Laats with a request.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats emphasizes that the statements made by the Russian People's Assembly are unacceptable. He adds that even if these statements are adopted, the communication surrounding them must be well-thought-out and clear in order to prevent public confusion and avoid playing into the hands of Russian propaganda.
Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
The address stresses that the statement does not restrict the activities of the congregations or participation in the sacraments, but rather affects their umbrella organization.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chair thanked the presenter and colleagues, noting that at least one question would remain unanswered since the session time was immediately running out, wished everyone success in their work, and promised to meet again next working week.