Agenda Profile: Andre Hanimägi
Re-examination of the Act Amending the Act on Churches and Religious Communities (570 UA) Not Proclaimed by the President of the Republic
2025-09-17
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting.
Political Position
The political focus is on guaranteeing national security and regulating the administrative ties of religious associations to counter foreign influence. The speaker strongly supports passing the law in its current form, stressing that religious freedom is not absolute and that the law aims to prevent security threats. This stance is strongly policy- and value-driven, highlighting the necessity of state intervention based on security considerations. The Social Democrats support the adoption of this draft bill.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the legislative drafting process and the constitutional debate by thoroughly referencing the session of the Legal Affairs Committee and presenting conflicting legal arguments. Legal terms such as "administrative ties," "proportionality," and "discretionary power" are employed, and reference is made to the case law of the European Court of Human Rights. The expertise is grounded in a detailed comparison of the positions held by the Ministry of the Interior and the President's legal advisors.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, analytical, and procedural, focusing on the communication of the Legal Affairs Committee’s deliberations and procedural decisions. Logical arguments are employed, contrasting various legal positions and emphasizing the normal progression of the democratic process (the Supreme Court). The text concludes with a strong, value-based summary, stressing that the law is not directed against belief, but rather serves to support the continued existence of the state.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in legislative work, having been appointed as the representative of the steering committee, and presenting the Riigikogu with a comprehensive overview of the Legal Affairs Committee's session held on September 8th. This pattern of activity is connected to the processing of a specific bill and the overriding of the presidential veto.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition comes from the President of the Republic and his legal advisor, who are challenging the constitutionality of the law, specifically citing ambiguous prohibitions and proportionality issues. Criticism is also aimed at members of parliament (e.g., Varro Vooglaid), who perceive a deeper constitutional conflict. The speaker criticizes the fearmongering—the suggestion that the autonomy of education is being interfered with—but emphasizes that the conflict is primarily political and procedural in nature.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker demonstrates cooperation by achieving a clear majority (8 in favor, 2 against) in the Legal Affairs Committee to support the law. Reference is made to ongoing cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior and the Council of Churches. Appealing to the Supreme Court is considered a normal democratic solution in the event that the parliament and the president hold differing opinions.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly at the national level (Estonian state security, constitutional order) and on international legal precedents. Reference is made to foreign influence laws in other countries and the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Data unavailable.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social question is the balance between religious freedom and national security, emphasizing that the law restricts administrative ties, not belief or the practice of religion itself. The speaker stresses that the draft bill is aimed at security threats and influence operations, not Russian Orthodox traditions, referencing the congregations under the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church (EAÕK).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The top legislative priority is the re-adoption, in its original form, of the Act amending the Churches and Congregations Act, which had been returned by the President of the Republic. The speaker is a strong proponent and the procedural lead for this bill, serving as the representative of the steering committee. The objective is to regulate the administrative connections of religious associations based on security considerations.
7 Speeches Analyzed