Session Profile: Lauri Hussar
The 15th Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-15
Political Position
The political stance heavily focuses on amending the Republic of Estonia President Election Act to increase the credibility of the process and preempt criticism regarding the emergence of "dark horse" candidates. The speaker firmly supports the parliamentary system of government, opposing the direct election of the president and citing 18 failed attempts to amend the constitution. The proposed changes are framed as necessary steps within a democracy package that must be implemented quickly before the next elections.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of presidential election legislation and history, referencing the number of attempts (18) to amend the constitution and previous electoral issues (2016, 2021). They are meticulous in discussing the technical amendments to the draft legislation (the population register) and the proportions of the electoral college, explaining the impact of the administrative reform on the composition of the electoral college. They also emphasize the historical value of documenting important statements.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, analytical, and persuasive, focusing on procedural logic and the necessity of legal reform. The speaker utilizes historical data to support arguments and cites external sources, such as a Postimees editorial, to underscore the positive trajectory of the amendments. The tone is measured, yet it strongly emphasizes the imperative to adopt the legislation during the current session.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is the active proponent of the legislative initiative (Bill 684). They presented it to the Riigikogu plenary session for its first reading and provided comprehensive answers to colleagues' questions. They also mentioned having informed Riigikogu members about the opportunity to sign the bill back in June, demonstrating a proactive approach to garnering support.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is directed at the shortcomings of the current legislation, which have resulted in public outcry and enabled the use of negative epithets ("a travesty," "a farce") to describe the presidential elections. There is also indirect criticism aimed at those who persistently try to initiate constitutional amendments for direct presidential elections, given that this is not a realistic solution within the current timeframe.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker stressed the importance of cross-party cooperation, pointing out that the draft legislation was backed by 37 members of Parliament (Riigikogu), encompassing representatives from both the coalition and the opposition. He indicated a willingness to engage in further debate on complex topics—for instance, the size of the electoral college—in the Constitutional Committee prior to the second reading, despite the fact that the bill itself does not contain those specific changes.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The main focus is on the national level (the presidential election procedure), but when discussing the composition of the electoral college, attention is paid to the regional political dimension. It is noted that the composition of the electoral college is skewed towards smaller local governments, and that changing the model would give greater weight to very small municipalities, such as Kihnu and Ruhnu.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the amendment of the President of the Republic Election Act (Bill 684), specifically to shift the deadlines for candidate submission earlier and to grant candidates the right to address the Riigikogu. The speaker is the originator of this initiative and stresses that these changes are part of a democracy package and must be adopted prior to next year’s presidential elections.
15 Speeches Analyzed