Session Profile: Ants Frosch
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-02-25
Political Position
The political position centers on questions of citizenship and the exercise of state authority. The speaker strongly backs the proposal that only Estonian citizens should be permitted to vote in local elections, viewing the current arrangement as diluting accountability and posing a risk to national stability. This stance is deeply value-based, stressing legal continuity and the principle of *jus sanguinis* (the right of blood). He criticizes the historical decisions made by the Constitutional Assembly, arguing that they are no longer justifiable given the complicated international situation we face today.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in legal constructs, explaining the principles of citizenship using terms such as *jus soli* and *jus sanguinis*. To support the arguments, the speaker utilizes historical references to the decisions of the Constitutional Assembly, as well as economic statistics (the proportion of Tallinn's GDP) to illustrate the nationwide impact of local government. Knowledge of planning issues (comprehensive and special plans) is emphasized separately.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, analytical, and cautionary, emphasizing the complexity of the international situation and the necessity of avoiding "gray areas." The speaker relies on logical and legal arguments, linking historical decisions (the Constituent Assembly) with contemporary threats. The tone is assured and resolute, concluding with an emphasis on firm conviction.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Criticism is aimed at the current local government election procedure, which permits non-citizens to vote, describing this as a dilution of accountability. The intensity of the opposition is high because this policy is viewed as a dangerous myth that has created unresolved conflicts, particularly in Tallinn. There is also resistance to the decisions made by the Constitutional Assembly in good faith, which have not proven their worth today.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker urges Parliament to consolidate and rally behind the proposal put forward by 23 members of the Riigikogu. This demonstrates a willingness to support a concrete, already submitted initiative and underscores the necessity of unified parliamentary action.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is directed at Tallinn, which is used as the primary example of the nationwide impact of local government. It is emphasized that more than half of the gross domestic product is generated in Tallinn, making the decisions made there matters of national importance.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are tied to the impact local government has on the nation's economy and planning. It is stressed that over half of the GDP is generated in Tallinn, meaning that local decisions (such as general and specific planning schemes) are critically important nationwide. This economic argument forms the basis for the demand that only citizens should exercise political power.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue revolves around citizenship and the political rights connected to it. The speaker stresses that power within the country must be exercised by its citizens, prioritizing national responsibility and security, and takes a stand against granting voting rights to non-citizens.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on amending the procedure for local government elections to ensure that the right to vote is granted exclusively to Estonian citizens. The speaker is a staunch supporter of the proposal submitted by 23 members of the Riigikogu and the driving force behind consolidating the initiative.
1 Speeches Analyzed