Agenda Profile: Andre Hanimägi
First Reading of the Draft Act Amending the Local Government Council Election Act (287 SE)
2024-02-22
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary sitting
Political Position
This political position vehemently opposes the draft amendment (287 SE) to the Local Government Council Election Act, which would restrict the rights of electoral alliances and independent candidates. This stance is rooted in core values, emphasizing the competence of the Estonian people and their right to decide for themselves who governs their local municipality. The speaker questions the prioritization of political parties as the foundation of society, citing their inherent fluidity and low level of public trust.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in election law and candidacy regulations, comparing the opportunities available to independent candidates in elections for the Riigikogu and the European Parliament. He/She references studies showing the relatively low level of public trust in Estonian political parties compared to the Defense Forces or the police. The expertise centers on issues of democratic participation and electoral management.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is direct, critical, and questioning, repeatedly employing rhetorical questions regarding the opposing side's motives and their trust in the people ("Why take this opportunity away from people?"). The tone is argumentative, emphasizing a logical appeal that power games and changes are constant, even within party coalitions. The speaker uses simple and clear language.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data is limited to two addresses delivered on a single day in the Riigikogu, which occurred during the first reading of the draft bill for the Act amending the Local Government Council Election Act.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is directed at the bill's rapporteur and supporters, who are criticized for their insufficient trust in people's choices. The criticism is philosophical and political, calling into question the necessity of the restrictions and the assumption that electoral alliances are more unstable than political parties.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly placed on the local government level and the engagement of communities. Emphasis is placed on people's right to independently assess and decide on their local affairs, as well as their desire to participate in politics.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is political participation and public trust. The speaker strongly defends the right of citizens both to vote and to run for office, emphasizing that the people of Estonia are intelligent enough to make sensible decisions in local elections.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on opposing Bill 287 SE (Draft Act on Amendments to the Local Government Council Election Act). The speaker is acting as a strong opponent of the bill, questioning both the necessity and the justification of the proposed restrictions.
2 Speeches Analyzed