Interpellation regarding the suffrage of Russian citizens in Estonian local government elections during Russia's war against Ukraine (No. 624)
Session: 15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session
Date: 2024-05-13 18:45
Total Speeches: 44
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 52m
AI Summaries: 44/44 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu debated an interpellation submitted by members of the Isamaa faction (Riina Solman, Tõnis Lukas, Helir-Valdor Seeder, Mart Maastik, and Priit Sibul) concerning the voting rights of Russian citizens in local government elections during Russia's aggression in Ukraine. Helir-Valdor Seeder, representing the interpellators, criticized the government, particularly the Social Democratic Party (SDE), for a lack of political will in addressing this security issue. He highlighted that the suspension of voting rights, as promised in the coalition agreement, proved impossible without amending the constitution, according to expert assessments. Seeder stressed that Isamaa’s proposals (the revocation of voting rights) align with the risk analyses conducted by security institutions and provide motivation for applying for Estonian citizenship. Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets responded that the government has a moral obligation to protect the Estonian state and its people, and he listed steps taken to limit Russian influence (e.g., revoking gun licenses, restricting propaganda). Läänemets argued that revoking voting rights from third-country citizens permanently residing in Estonia could, conversely, increase the alienation and radicalization of the Russian-speaking population, which itself poses a security threat. He cited studies indicating that the majority of Russian citizens residing here are rather positively disposed towards Estonia. Läänemets affirmed that the government does not support unconstitutional solutions and defended SDE’s policy against accusations that the party was courting Russian voters. The debate centered on the interpretation of security threats and whether the suspension of voting rights is constitutionally viable.
Decisions Made 1
No decisions were made
Most Active Speaker
Helir-Valdor Seeder (Isamaa, right-wing) was highly active as the representative of the interpellators, delivering a presentation, posing a question, and giving the closing statement of the debate, while sharply criticizing the government's passivity regarding the security matter.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The following item on the agenda involves a discussion of the interpellation submitted on April 1st concerning the voting rights of citizens of the Russian Federation in Estonian local government elections during the Russo-Ukrainian War. The submitters are Riina Solman, Tõnis Lukas, Helir-Valdor Seedri, Mart Maastik, and Priit Sibul, and the presentation will be given by Riigikogu member Helir-Valdor Seedri.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder, a member of the Isamaa party, submitted an interpellation to the Minister of the Interior, in which he emphasizes that although the coalition agreed on a legal framework for suspending the voting rights of Russian and Belarusian citizens in local government elections—a framework that does not amend the constitution—no such framework or draft bill has been created yet. Furthermore, an expert assessment indicates that such a suspension is not possible to implement. Consequently, three questions are being posed, and a clear answer is expected from the Minister in the context of security issues. The disagreements among the coalition partners are known, and Isamaa’s proposed measures align with the risk analysis provided by KAPO (the Estonian Internal Security Service). Finally, Seeder concludes by asking whether, in the event of a Russian attack, Russian citizens would retain their right to vote in Estonian local government elections.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanks the members and asks that Minister of the Interior Lauri Läänemets be invited to the Riigikogu rostrum to answer the interpellation.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Speaking before the Riigikogu, Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets stated that only Estonian and European Union citizens are permitted to vote in local government elections, and third-country nationals will not participate. He noted that Estonia has taken several steps to reduce Russian influence—including restricting propaganda, publishing materials that undermine fake media, promoting Estonian-language education, and controlling borders and the movement of goods—in order to strengthen national security and social cohesion. He simultaneously emphasized that preventing division and alienation is vital, and that national defense and popular resistance are the priorities, rather than restricting suffrage. He concluded that should Russia attack, the priority would be increasing national defense and resistance.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman thanked the attendees and announced that several questions had been submitted to the Minister, and Martin Helme is asked to present his question first.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme claims that the opposing side's attention is focused merely on gestures and deeds that fail to solve alienation and radicalization and may even exacerbate them. Meanwhile, genuine threats, such as mass immigration from the East and the issue of voting rights, remain unaddressed. Furthermore, the removal of the Narva tank and the attacks on the Russian church changed nothing, but only increased hostility.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
He confirmed that the massive influx of people from the east concerns Ukrainian war refugees, not Russian citizens, whose movement to Estonia is sanctioned. Furthermore, supporting Ukraine should not cause conflict in Estonia; if conflict does arise, however, it must be explained and discussed why they oppose supporting Ukraine, given that it is in Estonia’s interests. He also reminded listeners that Moscow’s interests are not always aligned with Estonia’s interests.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Priit Sibul to the stage.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul asserts that the minister has become so alienated from Estonian society and security that he continues to focus solely on granting additional citizenship. Sibul emphasizes that the problem is not citizenship itself, but lies within a broader context, citing the coalition agreement, and cynically asks whether the minister finds it acceptable that people who supported Putin in the Russian Federation elections and supported Ossinovski and Odinets in the local elections are doing so, even though this may jeopardize Estonian security.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets stated that he does not plan to make any exceptions regarding the requirements for applying for citizenship or to simplify the application process. Instead, he emphasized that becoming an Estonian citizen should remain a voluntary choice, and the laws should stay the same as they were previously. Furthermore, he added that reducing the voter base of a single political party must not serve as grounds for changing legislation, as that would be undemocratic.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart to the stage.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart criticizes the Isamaa draft bill—which seeks to revoke the voting rights of third-country citizens—for being inconsistent with the constitution. She also questions how to interpret the stance of the Social Democrats, given that no one appeared for the vote on suspending the proceedings during the first reading, and they failed to participate either for or against.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Lauri Läänemets stresses that nothing should ever conflict with the constitution, and ensuring constitutionality is essential, because unconstitutional measures, such as taking away the right to vote (disenfranchisement), would provide Russia with an opportunity for an information campaign and would stir up resentment among voters in Ida-Virumaa.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar addresses Mart Maastik and asks him to take the floor.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The political landscape honestly questions whether the Social Democrats' attempts to court Russian voters for votes outweigh Estonian security, referencing the impact of two different standpoints on the Russian community and the state.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Lauri Läänemets confirms that studies show the importance of involving people of Russian ethnicity in local elections, and he is not pursuing policies in Russia’s interests — on the contrary, he is a target of influence by Russian special services.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Riina Solman to speak.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman asks the Minister of the Interior to explain whether their positions stem from security assessments or from the recommendations of the Lauristin integration study (given that non-hostile individuals belonging to the C-cluster make up the majority there), and emphasizes that Isamaa stands for preventing pro-Kremlin sentiment and that the minister’s conduct appears to be moving in the opposite direction while seeking votes.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
The study indicates that approximately 60% are rather positively inclined toward Estonia. Two distinct clusters emerge: the pragmatic individuals, who choose Estonia for practical reasons, and the second cluster, comprising Russian citizens of Estonia, whose negative attitude stems primarily from a lack of socio-economic opportunities, not from pro-Kremlin sympathies.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar makes a request to Tõnis Lukas.
Tõnis Lukas
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
The presentation focuses on mass immigration and the necessity of avoiding the blanket labeling of all immigrants as hostile, highlighting various distinct groups (labor migrants, Ukrainians, the Islamic community, Russian speakers from Central Asia) and discussing the influence of the future expanding electorate. Furthermore, it raises the critical question of whether all immigrants are truly pro-Estonian and whether the results of relevant surveys are reliable.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Although the world appears differently to everyone and truth may be subjective, I believe that a properly executed sociological study is usually a reliable basis, and I have no reason to question the competence of the University of Tartu and the research firm.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar calls upon Helir-Valdor Seeder to speak.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder accuses the minister and the coalition of wanting to suspend the voting rights of Russian and Belarusian citizens without amending the constitution, and he deems this unconstitutional based on expert opinions. He stresses that Isamaa is prepared to amend the constitution if Estonian security requires it, and he asks what the government's solution is—to continue handling the topic indirectly or to submit a draft bill?
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets stated that the coalition had stuck to its promise to find a constitutionally compliant solution, but that such a solution cannot be developed, and the government has not yet decided what to do next, as further steps depend on the actions of the Minister of Justice.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Hussar asks for Henn Põlluaas to be called upon to speak.
Henn Põlluaas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Henn Põlluaas claims that the government intends to restrict the voting rights of Russian citizens and non-citizens, confiscate weapons from holders of "grey passports" (non-citizens), and impose Estonian language proficiency requirements on local government candidates and even taxi drivers. He then asks whose interests this actually serves and why it doesn't align with Estonia's interests, citing the low birth rate and mass immigration, while stressing that he is not referring to Ukrainian war refugees here.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets confirmed that the allegations are untrue, noting that the draft bill requiring gray passport holders to surrender their weapons was initiated under his leadership. The final result, he stressed, is that the weapons must be surrendered upon the expiration of the gun licenses. He also emphasized the importance of Estonian language proficiency for taxi drivers and stated that the government represents the interests of the Estonian people and the state.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asked Jaak Valge to come.
Jaak Valge
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaak Valge notes that the study does not account for new immigrants, and that the approximately 50,000 people who entered Estonia from third countries between 2017 and 2021, along with the few dozen who came from Ukraine, may receive permanent residency and citizenship after five years, which constitutes a new situation. He raises the question of whether there would be a readiness to discuss extending the residency period, tightening citizenship criteria, and addressing the issue of voting rights for third-country citizens in local elections.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets said that he is ready to discuss war refugees staying in Estonia for a longer period, and he emphasized the need for an honest and open debate within society, even though the final decisions might differ and he intends to defend his own views.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Evelin Poolamets to come and speak.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets asked the minister what the Social Democrats' position is regarding the voting rights of individuals convicted of a crime and serving a prison sentence, considering the claim that revoking voting rights from Russian citizens diminishes democracy.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
When the question concerned individuals who are Russian citizens criminally convicted and serving prison sentences, Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets stated that their treatment is appropriate and follows what is currently stipulated in the laws of the Republic of Estonia.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar requests that Urmas Reinsalu be invited to speak.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu is asking the Minister of the Interior whether the KapO report proposes restricting or revoking the voting rights of Russian citizens, and whether the report includes a specific recommendation for the government, all while leveling accusations of public manipulation.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets said that the head of the Security Police has pointed out that, from a certain point of view, the revocation of voting rights might create the same security problem, and that this is a political decision that must be weighed based on many circumstances, adding that the integration monitoring survey was not ready at that time, and the information reached Kapo later.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Lauri Hussar thanked the Minister, announced that there were no further questions, opened the debates, and invited Helir-Valdor Seeder, the representative of the interpellants, to the Riigikogu rostrum.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Helir-Valdor Seeder criticizes the responses of the Minister of the Interior and the government regarding security policy issues as insufficient, arguing that the coalition's solutions foster alienation, while his party's proposals focus on increasing integration through learning the Estonian language and understanding Estonian laws. Furthermore, he opposes the extension of voting rights to Russian and Belarusian citizens, which, in his assessment, genuinely poses threats to the state, especially if mobilization could expand beyond Russia.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar asks if the audience wants more time.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
The speech emphasizes that things are different, and concludes with thanks.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the colleague, informed the assembly that there were no requests for additional time, and invited the minister to take the floor at the Riigikogu podium.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Responding to the accusations made by Isamaa, Minister of the Interior Lauri Läänemets confirmed that issues concerning security threats and KAPO reports must be addressed in the relevant committee of the Riigikogu. He also stressed that Estonia is reducing Russian influence and strengthening its defense, and that caution must be exercised regarding the veracity of the claims.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar offers his thanks and concludes the consideration of the second item on today's agenda.