Agenda Profile: Ants Frosch
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (536 SE) – second reading
2025-02-25
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is firmly focused on restricting local government voting rights exclusively to Estonian citizens, underscoring the importance of preventing the dilution of legal continuity (jus sanguinis) and national responsibility. This position is value-based, referencing historical premises that are no longer applicable in today's complex international environment. The speaker stresses that the country's citizens must be the ones exercising power within the state to avoid "gray areas."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the legal constructs of citizenship (jus soli, jus sanguinis) and the principles of legal continuity underlying the restoration of the Republic of Estonia. The argument is supported by statistical data concerning the generation of gross domestic product (GDP) in Tallinn, underscoring the nationwide impact of the local government. Reference is also made to the work of the Constitutional Assembly and the historical context (the fall of the Berlin Wall, the coup/putsch).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speech is formal, serious, and cautionary, stressing the urgent need for action given the increasing complexity of the international situation. The style is primarily logical and historical, employing legal terminology and referencing positive expectations that have unfortunately gone unfulfilled. A warning is issued against the myth that local government deals exclusively with local issues, labeling this extremely dangerous.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There isn't enough data on the activity patterns.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at the 30-year-old practice of allowing non-citizens to vote in local elections, labeling it a dilution of responsibility towards one's own state. Also criticized are the decisions made by the Constitutional Assembly at the time, which were made in good faith but have not justified themselves today. They oppose the idea that local government does not deal with issues of national life, pointing to unresolved conflicts in Tallinn.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker urges Parliament to consolidate and rally together, focusing specifically on the proposal put forward by 23 members of the Riigikogu. This signals a desire to garner support for a specific initiative and demonstrates a clear preference for internal political unity.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is on Tallinn's impact on the entire country, underscoring that more than half of the GDP is generated in the capital. This highlights the strategic importance of the local government (Tallinn) at the national level, particularly through general and special planning.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic considerations are linked to the role of local government in the economy, emphasizing that over half of the country's GDP is generated in Tallinn. This highlights the concern that local decisions and planning have an extremely significant impact on the economy of the entire country.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The central social issue revolves around citizenship and the right to vote, emphasizing that power within the state should be wielded exclusively by its citizens. Concern is expressed regarding the lack of gray areas and the resulting dilution of accountability to the state, which has occurred due to the granting of voting rights to non-citizens.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is supporting the draft act on amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (536 SE), which aims to restrict voting in local elections exclusively to Estonian citizens. The speaker strongly supports this initiative and urges Parliament to unite behind it.
1 Speeches Analyzed