Agenda Profile: Andre Hanimägi
Reconsideration of the Act Amending the Act on Churches and Religious Communities (570 UA), Not Proclaimed by the President of the Republic
2025-05-14
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is on ensuring national security and preventing foreign influence operations carried out through religious associations, which constitutes the objective of the law. The speaker strongly supports the security objective of the law but is moderately willing to address the concerns raised by the president regarding legal clarity and the restriction of religious freedom. The stance is primarily policy- and value-based, emphasizing the balance between security and the constitution.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in legislative procedures and constitutional matters, focusing specifically on the balance between restricting religious freedom and ensuring security. He consistently draws a distinction between the administrative connection and religious practice, and addresses aspects of law enforcement, such as judicial proceedings and the gathering of evidence. The scope of expertise also encompasses the necessity of defining legal concepts (e.g., "to be guided by," "person of significance").
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, procedural, and analytical, reflecting the role of the legal committee's rapporteur. The speaker employs logical arguments and legal terminology, while simultaneously attempting to de-escalate political rhetoric (e.g., the claim that "the state is fighting nuns"). He/She focuses on facts and summarizing the committee's discussions, rather than emotional appeals.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is involved in the procedure for the re-examination of the law, acting as the consensus rapporteur for the Legal Affairs Committee before the Riigikogu plenary session on May 14. He refers to the committee's recent discussion on Monday and the earlier legislative process for the bill, which included the involvement of experts.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary objection is aimed at the stance taken by the legal advisors to the President of the Republic, who dispute the constitutionality and legal clarity of the law's specific wording. The speaker criticizes the president's approach for focusing excessively on theoretical court procedures rather than the actual text of the legislation itself. Furthermore, he rejects the political rhetoric that seeks to reduce the issue merely to an attack against people of faith.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker demonstrates a willingness to cooperate, having been consensually appointed as the committee's rapporteur. The Legal Affairs Committee as a whole showed readiness for compromise, deciding not to support the adoption of the law in its unamended form, in order to address the concerns raised by the President regarding legal clarity.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on national security and preventing foreign influence operations targeting Estonian religious organizations. A regional focus is absent, even though Pühtitsa Convent is brought up in the political debate—a topic the speaker attempts to sidestep by concentrating instead on the overarching goal of the legislation.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The central social issue is the balance between religious freedom and national security. The speaker repeatedly stresses that the law does not restrict people's right to practice their faith, nor is it an attack against Orthodox believers. Instead, it deals exclusively with the administrative connection between religious associations and foreign individuals who pose a security threat. He/She affirms that religious freedom will remain guaranteed even after the law is adopted.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the renewed processing of the Act amending the Law on Churches and Congregations, with the objective of improving the law's legal certainty and its overall wording. The speaker supports the overall goal of the draft legislation but advocates for amendments to resolve the legal issues raised by the President, specifically the definition of the terms "to be guided by" and "notable person."
8 Speeches Analyzed