Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (536 SE) – second reading
2025-02-25
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is on the draft act on amending the Constitution (536 SE) and the issue of suffrage. The speaker’s position is firm and value-based: the right to vote in all elections must belong exclusively to the citizens of the Republic of Estonia. He/She sharply opposes the compromise proposed by the coalition, labeling it a "rotten egg" that would degrade the Constitution. The stance is that if a clean solution is not reached, the constitutional amendment process must be halted.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in differentiating between constitutional law and electoral law, stressing that the voting rights of non-citizens are currently regulated at the statutory level, not the constitutional level. He/She employs specific figures (approximately 25,000 – 30,000) and references groups of citizens from various countries, thereby exhibiting detailed knowledge of the legal and demographic scope of the topic. He/She emphasizes that the issue can be resolved at the level of electoral law without needing to amend the constitution.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, forceful, and emotionally charged, employing strong metaphors ("rotten egg," "we are defiling our constitution") and value-based warnings. The speaker directly accuses opponents ("the Social Democrats with their blackmail") and stresses that this is a political reality that will permanently degrade the constitution. He uses repetition ("I repeat/reiterate") to underscore his position.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speech was delivered during the second reading of the Riigikogu session, demonstrating active participation in the legislative process. The speaker referenced their previously and repeatedly stated positions on the same subject, which indicates consistent and sustained engagement in the discussions surrounding the bill in question.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the coalition and the social democrats ("Socs"), who are accused of "extortion" with the aim of writing non-citizens' voting rights into the constitution. The criticism is intense and directed both at the political content (the rotten-egg solution) and the procedure (the mutilation of the constitution). The speaker rules out accepting a compromise, promising to vote against the bill if the right for gray passport holders remains included.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is uncompromising and refuses to cooperate regarding the proposed half-measure, demanding either a clear-cut solution (suffrage only for citizens) or the suspension of the process. The style of engagement is confrontational, culminating in a proposal to immediately discontinue the second reading in order to prevent the constitution from being undermined.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strictly national and constitutional, addressing the regulation of voting rights in Estonian local governments. There is no information regarding the emphasis on specific regional projects or communities.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue revolves around political integration and tying suffrage to citizenship. This stance is strictly restrictive, requiring that the right to vote be reserved exclusively for citizens of the Republic of Estonia, thereby opposing the constitutional guaranteeing of rights for non-citizens (including holders of 'gray passports'). Furthermore, the use of "aggressor state" rhetoric is criticized, as it fails to produce a clear resolution.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative objective is to prevent the adoption of the draft Act on Amendment of the Constitution (Bill 536 SE), as it includes the constitutional guarantee of suffrage for non-citizens. The speaker proposes suspending the second reading and will vote against the bill unless it guarantees voting rights exclusively to Estonian citizens. Alternatively, it is proposed that the issue be resolved at the level of the Election Act.
2 Speeches Analyzed