Agenda Profile: Ants Frosch
Debate on the matter of significant national importance: "E-elections – a threat to democracy."
2024-05-09
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The most crucial issue is the reliability and security of e-elections, which is being treated as a threat to democracy. The political stance is firmly opposed to the e-voting system, describing it as "rotten" and "exposed." There is a demand for either a fundamental overhaul of the system in accordance with international recommendations or the complete termination of e-voting. This position is strongly value-based and results-oriented, focusing on restoring trust.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise regarding the technical and procedural deficiencies of e-elections, drawing upon international expertise. Technical terminology is employed, and specific requirements are referenced, such as cryptographic methods, quality assurance processes, and end-to-end verifiability. To substantiate this expertise, the OSCE/ODIHR report is extensively quoted, and a specific analyst (Carsten Schürmann) is named.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is urgent, critical, and cautionary, employing dramatic metaphors ("the e-tiger is essentially naked," "the balloon is simply popped"). The appeals are balanced: logical evidence is presented from international reports, coupled with emotional warnings about the system's collapse. A historical quote (Abraham Lincoln) is used to emphasize the limitations of fooling the public.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
This address is part of the debate on a crucial national issue taking place in the Riigikogu. The speaker stresses the role of both the public and the media, urging citizens to monitor the broadcast and calling on journalists to reach out to international experts for interviews.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main targets of criticism are the governing coalition and the Republic’s Electoral Committee (VVK). The criticism is both procedural and political, focusing on the government’s lack of will to solve problems and the VVK’s inability to ensure transparency and trustworthiness. The opposition is intense, suggesting that the situation is sliding "downhill like a children's slide."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker stresses the necessity of collaborating with international organizations, particularly the OSCE, to ensure the system remains functional and to resolve existing issues. Support is also noted among domestic Estonian experts and politicians who have previously highlighted these problems.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level (the organization of Estonian e-elections) and the international level, referencing the OSCE report and the expertise provided by a German analyst. There is no focus on specific local or regional Estonian issues.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on regulating and improving the e-voting system to ensure end-to-end verifiability and auditability. The priority is either meeting international requirements or discontinuing e-voting if the reliability of the system cannot be guaranteed.
3 Speeches Analyzed