Election Promises and the Fulfillment of Agreements
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing
Date: 2024-05-08 15:14
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 20
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 16m
AI Summaries: 20/20 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The topic presented concerned the fulfillment of election promises and the implementation of agreements within the context of the coalition agreement, and whether and how the voting rights of Russian and Belarusian citizens in local elections could be restricted or altered without amending the constitution. Helir-Valdor Seeder raised a question regarding the fulfillment of the coalition agreement and highlighted both expert opinions and an expansion of options (whether to restrict the voting rights of all third-country nationals, only those of Russian/Belarusian citizens, or also make changes to contractual agreements or treaties concluded with allied states; and whether a mandatory constitutional amendment would be possible urgently in the Riigikogu). He emphasized that there are still differing views among the coalition parties and asked for a concrete solution and timeline.
The second question drew attention to the government's direction to follow the cooperation framework: whether and in what reasonable way it is possible to make changes without amending the constitution, and what a specific solution might be if general political will exists in the Riigikogu. Additionally, the discussion included the idea that amending the constitution requires a qualified majority and that it is possible to take into account the opinions of the European Union and international bodies, as well as timely preparation, in order to reach the necessary steps before the local elections. The readiness of Isamaa and other factions for compromise also arose as a topic, as well as how realistic it is that agreements held within the coalition will be adhered to or changed if international and legal evidence suggests otherwise.
Decisions Made 1
At the present session, no final decisions were reached regarding either the restriction of voting rights or the expedited process for amending the constitution. While assurances aimed at achieving artificial compromises and a precise solution were certainly a topic of discussion, the final decision remains the subject of the next debate and hinges on the will of the Riigikogu majority and the specification of coalition agreements.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Helir-Valdor Seeder (Isamaa), who represents the right-wing political agenda and has consequently spoken the most during the discussion of this topic (speeches/comments attributed to him). Effectively, he can be regarded as the representative of the counter-balance and right-wing politics within the context of the Riigikogu.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
In today's second question, Riigikogu member Helir-Valdor Seeder asks Prime Minister Kaja Kallas about the fulfillment of election promises and agreements.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder criticizes the government for failing to launch a single initiative for over a year aimed at suspending the voting rights of Russian and Belarusian citizens in local elections without amending the constitution. He references expert opinions and various possible solutions, and asks what the actual plan is and when it will be put into action.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kallas stated that the coalition has agreed to halt the voting rights of citizens of aggressor states without amending the constitution, provided it is legally feasible. However, differing views and the absence of the broad consensus required for an urgent constitutional amendment complicate the matter. Furthermore, Isamaa’s proposal to limit suffrage exclusively to Estonian citizens or based on bilateral agreements concluded with other states is constitutionally questionable.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
This is a call to action, because your time has come.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Kaja Kallas confirms that she will respond immediately and continue the conversation.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
We will continue immediately, as Helir-Valdor Seeder has a clarifying question.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Heli-Valdor Seeder emphasizes that the common opinion of all legal experts is that the solution planned in the coalition agreement is not possible. Isamaa is ready for compromises, but the Reform Party remains silent. Furthermore, initiating the amendment of the constitution in the Riigikogu requires at least 21 signatures, which only the Reform Party faction possesses, which is why he asks the chairman of the Reform Party to give a clear answer.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas stated that the Reform Party holds a view on every matter. She emphasized the importance of adhering to coalition agreements and the necessity of finding constitutional and timely solutions regarding suffrage. She noted that disagreements exist and that, if required, the process must begin with amending the constitution, taking into account the Venice Commission's recommendation that any such decision should be adopted at least one year before the elections. She further added that she does not support revoking the voting rights of citizens of third countries and stateless persons, arguing that such a measure is far-reaching and requires broad consensus.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the speaker, announces the supplementary question next, and calls upon Martin Helme.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme accuses the government of Russification and the deepening of economic and financial problems. He criticizes immigration, the lack of language instruction, and the failure to keep promises, calling for a replacement and asking when someone will finally take office who actually deals with these issues properly.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas made a humorous comment regarding the opponent's tirade, recalling that the opponent's father had been the editor of the Communist Party manifesto, and added that perhaps Mrs. Helme would calm down.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar now invites discussion on the matter.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Kaja Kallas expresses her agreement only on the condition that it is allowed.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar expresses agreement and readiness, saying, "Yes, please!"
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
He/She stresses that if their father can attack, they can also talk back to the other father.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Hussar emphasizes that now we need to talk about the matter.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Prime Minister Kallas stated that the claim regarding 90,000 war refugees is incorrect, explaining that the actual figures are derived from border crossings and the number of temporary protection applications; as of May 5th, Estonia had received a total of 52,547 applications, with 30,868 of those holding a valid residence permit. She also stressed the positive effect that developments in Estonian-language education and language training have had on integration.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The speech emphasizes that now is your time to act.
Peaminister Kaja Kallas
AI Summary
Kaja Kallas emphasized that the government's work is not solely carried out by the government itself, but that collaboration with businesses is crucial.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar informed the Prime Minister that his time was up and concluded the debate on today's second question.