Agenda Profile: Aleksei Jevgrafov
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 position is strongly opposed to the government-initiated draft legislation (570 SE) amending the Churches and Congregations Act. This opposition targets both the substance of the bill—stressing the legal compliance of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (MPEÕK)—and its procedural deficiencies. The stance is value-based, defending the church against unreasonable accusations, while simultaneously being policy-based, demanding the existence of an impact analysis.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the Churches and Congregations Act and the status of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (MPEÕK), citing Orthodox canons and the church's stance on the war. Furthermore, the procedural aspect of legislation is emphasized, requiring a robust and reliable impact assessment within the explanatory memorandum. The expert analysis therefore concentrates on both the legal framework governing religious matters and the quality standards for legislative drafting.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is confrontational and critical, accusing the government of pushing through an emotionally difficult law and actively avoiding solutions. Both logical arguments (such as the lack of an impact analysis and the absence of legal violations) and sharp emotional appeals are utilized. To intensify the criticism, a biblical phrase is employed, suggesting the government's irrationality: ("When the Lord punishes, he takes away reason").
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data is limited to two speeches delivered in the Riigikogu during the first reading of a single bill on the same date. The speaker is active during the critical debate phase of the legislative process. Other patterns of activity, meetings, or frequency are not evident.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the government and the coalition, who stand accused of ramming the legislation through and deliberately avoiding finding solutions. The criticism is intense, focusing both on procedural deficiencies (specifically, the absence of an impact assessment) and the unfair targeting of MPEÕK. A willingness to compromise is signaled by demanding a meeting with MPEÕK representatives, but the overall attitude toward the government remains rigidly confrontational.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Although the speaker takes an antagonistic stance toward the government, openness to compromise and mediation is stressed, coupled with a demand that the minister meet with representatives of the MPEÕK. The objective is to find a mutually acceptable solution that aligns with both Estonian law and Orthodox canons. This willingness to cooperate is aimed more at stakeholders and interest groups than at coalition partners.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level, dealing with Estonian legislation and the status of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. The topic discussed has an international context (the Moscow Patriarchate, the war in Ukraine), but there are no references to specific local or regional problems within Estonia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is freedom of religion and the protection of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (MPEÕK) against accusations of posing a threat to the state. The speaker emphasizes the anti-war stance and law-abiding nature of the church members, contrasting this with the government's emotional approach, which sees danger even in nuns.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on opposing the draft amendment to the Law on Churches and Congregations (Bill 570 SE). The speaker is acting as a staunch opponent of the bill, demanding that the legislative process include a mandatory impact assessment and a justified understanding of the law's potential consequences.
2 Speeches Analyzed