Agenda Profile: Ants Frosch
Second Reading of the Draft Act (344 SE) on the Amendment of the Riigikogu Election Act and Related Amendment of Other Acts
2024-04-17
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to e-voting and the associated bill (344 SE), emphasizing that the system is unreliable and has led to a crisis in Estonian parliamentarism. The speaker frames the situation as a shift towards autocracy, where the prime minister's desire dictates the outcome. The stance is value-based, focusing on the restoration of democracy and trust.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates technical competence regarding the retention deadlines for e-voting logs and IT development, suggesting longer storage periods (one year, 10, or 50 years) to allow for technological review. Furthermore, they are knowledgeable about authentication solutions, citing the use of facial recognition technology at the Ministry of Social Affairs and by notaries as examples. Their arguments are based on discussions held with experts on the commission and personal experience in identifying breaches.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical, combative, and dramatic, emphasizing the hopelessness of the situation and the failure of parliamentarism. Anecdotes (the officer and the radio receiver) and personal stories (the Otepää case) are employed to illustrate the system's flaws and create emotional impact. The speech concludes with a provocative, Donald Trump-esque call for hackers to attack the system and cause its collapse.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the legislative process, posing questions to the rapporteur and delivering a critical address during the bill's second reading. Regarding previous activities, mention is made of identifying violations and referring them to the prosecutor's office, which highlighted the significance of the log retention issue.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the coalition and the prime minister, who are accused of establishing autocratic rule and destroying parliamentarism. Criticism is also aimed at the chairman of the Constitutional Committee, Terras, who is being faulted for avoiding substantive debate and for the superficial nature of the discussion.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus briefly highlights the violations identified during the local elections in Otepää municipality, using them as an example to illustrate the deficiencies of the e-voting system. The primary focus, however, is still on amending the national election law.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker addresses social issues, describing the Otepää incident where social workers and the municipal mayor profiled and manipulated elderly voters. He also refers to the use of facial recognition technology by the Ministry of Social Affairs to verify that pensioners are alive in order to receive their payments.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on contesting Draft Bill 344 SE (Amendment of the Riigikogu Election Act) and demanding amendments. Key priorities are extending the retention period for anonymous logs (instead of the current one month) and adding authentication methods (e.g., facial recognition) to ensure the trustworthiness of the elections.
5 Speeches Analyzed