Session Profile: Andre Hanimägi
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
2024-11-20
Political Position
The political focus is on the draft constitutional amendment concerning suffrage in local elections, driven by Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. The speaker supports restricting the voting rights of citizens of aggressor states but firmly opposes revoking the electoral rights of holders of the gray passport (stateless residents), stressing legal certainty and integration. This position is based on rationality, legal correctness, and the search for compromise, rather than emotion. The goal is to establish a citizenship requirement, not a restriction based on nationality.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in constitutional law and electoral regulations, referencing the guidelines of the Venice Commission and the Code of Good Practice in Electoral Matters. Legal terminology such as "citizenship requirement," "legal clarity," and "regulations" is employed, emphasizing the complexity involved in amending the constitution. Statistics are presented regarding the number of stateless persons (approximately 60,000), and the legal complexity of granting suffrage via international treaties is analyzed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is considered, constructive, and rational, emphasizing that any amendment to the constitution must be a rational, not an emotional, decision. The speaker employs formal language and relies on logical and legal arguments, calling for compromises and the balancing of society. The sharpness of the debate is welcomed, but the necessity of being fair and legally sound is underscored.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Direct personal criticism is not leveled, but the speaker opposes those who wish to amend the Constitution based on emotion or short-term political expediency. There is clear opposition to the second constitutional amendment bill, which would grant voting rights through international treaties, citing its impracticality and lack of legal clarity. The position that a passport alone demonstrates loyalty to Estonia is also criticized.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes constructiveness and a readiness to compromise, viewing these as the foundation of politics and democracy. The Social Democrats' position is described as constructive and cautiously optimistic, and there is a call to seek significant common ground here in this chamber. The necessity for broad-based discussion and consensus is stressed, both within the Riigikogu and in society at large.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national and international level, addressing the impact of constitutional amendments across Estonia and referencing Russia's war in Ukraine, the status of European Union citizens, and nationals of NATO countries. It is emphasized that the homeland of grey passport holders is Estonia. Specific regional or local projects are lacking.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic considerations are absent, apart from the reference that stateless persons pay taxes in Estonia and contribute to the community. This argument is put forward to support the retention of their right to vote.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is integration and the status of stateless persons (holders of the gray passport), who are considered part of the Estonian community and have no loyalty or military service obligations toward other countries. It is stressed that restrictions on suffrage must be based on citizenship, not ethnicity, and that maintaining voting rights is a way to involve people in decisions that affect their daily lives. The question is also raised about what the state could do to reduce the number of stateless people more quickly.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is on the draft amendment to the constitution concerning the suffrage qualification for local elections. The speaker supports the bill, which has the signatures of 61 Riigikogu members and is aimed at restricting the voting rights of third-country citizens while preserving the rights of holders of the gray passport. There is a call to support the bill so that it can enter into force before next year's local elections.
2 Speeches Analyzed