Agenda Profile: Anti Haugas
Draft law amending the Church and Religious Communities Act (570 SE) – First Reading
2025-02-19
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political focus is on national security and sovereignty, emphasizing the necessity of severing the legal subordination of Estonian religious institutions to the Moscow Patriarchate. The stance regarding draft law 570 SE is strongly supportive, justifying this position on the basis of shared values and citing Patriarch Kirill’s actions as an aggressor and war criminal. The objective is to impede the Moscow Patriarch’s growing influence over Russian Orthodox believers worldwide, who is calling for support for a "holy war" against Ukraine.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in canon law, the historical flexibility of canonical ties, and knowledge of the statutes governing specific religious institutions (such as the Pühtitsa Convent). Technical terms ("canonical ties," "legal entity") are employed, and reference is made to the precedent set by the Ukrainian law amendment. Specific data concerning the casualties of the war in Ukraine is also presented (approximately 250,000 fatalities and one million wounded).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is serious and forceful, combining logical arguments (legal compliance, analysis of the charter/statute) with strong emotional appeals. Sharp language is employed, repeatedly calling Patriarch Kirill a war criminal and an aggressor. The appeal emphasizes the moral obligation not to submit to an individual who supports war crimes.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in the legislative process, participating in the bill's first reading and referencing their direct involvement in the Legal Affairs Committee meeting held the previous day. This demonstrates a close connection to the preparation and presentation of the draft legislation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is Moscow Patriarch Kirill, who is sharply criticized for propagating the "Russkiy Mir" (Russian World) ideology and calling the war in Ukraine a "holy war." Kirill has been branded a war criminal and aggressor, and Estonian religious institutions must be freed from his jurisdiction. Indirect criticism is also leveled at the Foundation for the Protection of Family and Tradition, which opposed similar changes in Ukraine.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is acting on behalf of the faction, confirming the Reform Party's support for the draft legislation and urging other members of the Riigikogu to also lend their support. Positive mention was made of the cooperation with representatives of the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church, whose stance regarding the flexibility of canonical ties is endorsed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on international security issues (the war in Ukraine, the Moscow Patriarchate) and their impact on Estonia's domestic legal framework and religious institutions (the Pühtitsa Convent). The Ukrainian law amendment is being used as a direct example and precedent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social issue being addressed is religious autonomy and the protection of Russian Orthodox believers from the influence of the spiritual leader of the aggressor state. It is emphasized that Russian Orthodox believers do not have to change their faith, but they have the right to remain Orthodox without submitting to a war criminal. The purpose of the law is to simplify the process for Russian Orthodox congregations to achieve autonomy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is the draft Act amending the Churches and Congregations Act (570 SE), the aim of which is to compel religious institutions to bring their statutes and subordination relationships into compliance with the laws of the Republic of Estonia. The speaker is a strong proponent of the draft and stresses that this does not mean the closure of religious institutions, but rather their legal reorganization.
2 Speeches Analyzed