Continuation of the first reading of the Draft Statement of the Riigikogu "On declaring the Moscow Patriarchate an institution supporting the military aggression of the Russian Federation" (Bill 420 AE)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session.
Date: 2024-05-06 18:30
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 20
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 38m
AI Summaries: 20/20 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The focus of Thursday's agenda for the regular Riigikogu session was Draft Resolution 420, titled "On declaring the Moscow Patriarchate an institution supporting the military aggression of the Russian Federation." The session continued the previous debate, aiming to provide the Riigikogu with a clear political assessment of the Moscow Patriarchate’s activities in Estonia, discuss legal and administrative steps, and achieve a balance between the state and the religious community. During the debate, a strongly critical assessment of the Moscow church's activities was presented. Emphasis was placed on the need to resolve cooperation issues at the episcopal and congregational levels, and to incorporate government threat assessments, security evaluations, and communication plans with the congregations.
Decisions Made 1
The final vote on Draft Resolution 420, "On declaring the Moscow Patriarchate an institution supporting the military aggression of the Russian Federation," was adopted. Seventy-five Riigikogu members voted in favor, eight against, with no abstentions. The draft resolution has been adopted as a formal declaration.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Jaak Aab (Social Democratic Party, on the left). He usually represents the left wing of the party and drew attention to the critical religious and security dimensions of the situation, emphasizing parliamentary responsibility and a clear approach regarding the issue of the Moscow Patriarchate.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announced that the first reading of Bill 420, concerning the declaration of the Moscow Patriarchate as supporting the Russian Federation’s military aggression, had been suspended during the session held last Thursday. He subsequently asked Hendrik Johannes Terras, Chairman of the Constitutional Committee, to return to the Riigikogu rostrum to answer questions from members of the Riigikogu. Anastassia-Kovalenko Kõlvart then posed a question to him.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart emphasized the need to meet with Bishop Daniel in order to seek solutions and make decisions in cooperation with various stakeholders, and stated that the bishop is prepared to introduce changes to the statutes and all necessary legal and administrative amendments, which the chairman of the commission would review together with him.
Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
He/She thanks everyone, having spent the weekend at two volunteer work parties. They have also written to someone and are now looking for an opportunity to sit down with them.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the previous speaker and invites Arvo Aller to speak.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller thanks the presiding officer of the session, noting that community work days are great, but everyone must pitch in, and he wasn't the only one who participated. He then asks, regarding the statement, how many congregations are being referred to and how many of those are subordinate to the Moscow Patriarchate.
Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
Hendrik Johannes Terras said that the commission did not discuss the number of subordinates, and that figure never made it into the discussions.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the rapporteur, declared the question period closed and the debates open, and invited Peeter Tali to speak on behalf of the Eesti 200 faction, granting him three minutes of additional time.
Peeter Tali
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Tali claims that the Russian Orthodox Church in Estonia is an instrument of influence subordinated to the Kremlin, and its activities must be immediately terminated, and the autonomy of the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church must be restored, including the Estonian church's control over the Nevsky Cathedral and congregations across Estonia.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the colleague and, on behalf of the Isamaa faction, invites Urmas Reinsalu to the Riigikogu podium to speak.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu requests three minutes of additional time.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar requests three additional minutes.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
The Isamaa parliamentary group affirms its strong support for the Riigikogu’s position during Russia’s aggression and stresses that further steps—the advancement of Estonian-language education, the confiscation of weapons from foreign citizens, and resolving the influence of the Moscow Patriarchate—must be implemented by the government with the full knowledge and briefing of the parliament.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
On behalf of the Reform Party faction, Eerik-Niiles Kross approaches the Riigikogu podium to speak and requests an additional three minutes.
Eerik-Niiles Kross
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Eerik-Niiles Kross explains that Kirill’s ‘russki mir’ ideology and the role of the Moscow Patriarchate are tightly interwoven, and the Estonian state must issue a political assessment of this institution while simultaneously protecting religious freedom and the right of communities to choose, and acting reasonably based on Estonian interests.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks and invites Lauri Laats to the Riigikogu rostrum to speak on behalf of the Estonian Centre Party Faction.
Lauri Laats
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Lauri Laats emphasizes that the statement under discussion appears to be related to an election campaign and could cause uncertainty and undermine the religious freedom of Estonia’s approximately 150,000 Orthodox believers. Therefore, he suggests that instead of rushing, they should wait for a clear communication plan and initiate a dialogue with the communities in order to find balance and prevent further tensions within society.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman called Jaak Aab to the Riigikogu rostrum and announced that Aab would be speaking and presenting a statement on behalf of the Social Democratic Party faction.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab emphasized that the Riigikogu should adopt a statement directed against the Moscow Patriarchate—an institution that supports the military aggression of the Russian Federation and engages in influence activities—the purpose of which is the severance of ties, while simultaneously protecting religious freedom and the interests of Orthodox congregations.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar concluded the negotiations and moved Riigikogu Draft Declaration 420 to the final vote. The draft aims to declare the Moscow Patriarchate an institution supporting the Russian Federation's military aggression.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Riigikogu adopted the draft legislation in the form of Declaration 420: 75 members voted in favor, 8 voted against, and there were no abstentions.