Agenda Profile: Lauri Hussar
First Reading of the Draft Act Amending the Law on the Election of the President of the Republic (684 SE)
2025-10-15
The 15th Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The central position is the swift and substantive amendment of the Law on the Election of the President of the Republic (Draft 684 SE), intended to increase the trustworthiness of the process and prevent public criticism. The speaker emphasizes Estonia's parliamentary system and opposes the direct election of the president, considering it unrealistic in the context of the upcoming elections due to the constitutional changes that would be required. The presentation of the amendments is clearly procedure-centric and aimed at improving democracy.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of the Law on the Election of the President of the Republic, the history of constitutional amendments (18 failed attempts), and the complexity of the Electoral College proportions following the administrative reform. He/She uses technical terminology (e.g., the Population Register, § 22 subsection 1) and refers to previous elections (2016, 2021) to illustrate the problems. The presentation is authoritative and relies on facts and historical context.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, analytical, and emphasizes the seriousness and urgency of the topic, in order to ensure clear rules of the game before the next elections. The speaker employs logical arguments (problem-solving, credibility) and also introduces emotional appeals (historical value, avoiding a "comedy" and a "farce"). He quotes the Postimees editorial to support the positive direction of the draft bill.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively championing this legislative initiative, having initiated and presented Bill 684 SE during its first reading. He/She referenced previous outreach efforts (in June) aimed at collecting signatures among Riigikogu members, which demonstrates a proactive approach to securing support. The speaker stresses the necessity of implementing these amendments during the current session.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Direct criticism is aimed at the current presidential election regulations, which have caused public outrage and criticism (e.g., the "dark horse" issue). The speaker rejects constitutional amendment initiatives (direct presidential election) as unrealistic given the current timeframe, focusing instead on improving the existing law.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasized the need for broad-based cooperation, noting that the draft bill is a compromise reached by 37 Riigikogu members, who are supported by both coalition and opposition parties. The speaker indicated a readiness to discuss the size of the Electoral Assembly within the Constitutional Committee, even though the bill itself does not resolve that issue, and is open to modifying the wording of the existing proposal.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
While the focus remains on the national election process, attention is also being drawn to the regional composition of the electoral college and the effects of the administrative reform. The speaker points out that the electoral college is weighted in favor of smaller municipalities (including small islands like Kihnu and Ruhnu), a structure which is justified within democratic models and forms part of regional policy.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
No data available
15 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
No data available
15 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is on amending the Presidential Election Act (Draft 684 SE) to move the deadlines for candidate submission earlier and establish a mandatory public appearance requirement for candidates. The speaker stresses that this is one of the drafts belonging to the "democracy package," which must be adopted during the current session to ensure clear rules of the game for next year.
15 Speeches Analyzed