Agenda Profile: Aleksei Jevgrafov
Draft law amending the Church and Religious Communities Act (570 SE) – second reading
2025-03-26
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional to the recent decisions made by the government and the Riigikogu (Parliament), which are viewed as nullifying the integration work of the past 30 years and dividing society. The most crucial issues are the protection of minority rights (including voting and native-language education) and resisting the humiliation of individuals under the pretext of national security. This position is clearly value-based, focusing on equality and social justice.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the history of integration policy, citing 30 years of work and personal experience dating back to their student days. Their expertise centers on social injustice and the education system's lack of preparedness for the transition to Estonian-language instruction. No specific data or statistics are presented; instead, emphasis is placed on the government's failure to grasp real-life issues.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly polemical, emotional, and denunciatory, employing sharp moralistic terms such as "shame," "cynical," and "humiliation." The speaker contrasts the government's actions with the genuine problems faced by the populace, accusing politicians of engaging in vote-seeking "games" and searching for enemies within their own nation. Personal anecdotes and rhetorical questions are utilized to amplify the emotional impact.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker refers to the activities of government and Parliament members (opinion festivals, television appearances, visiting counties), but these activities are dismissed as pointless. There is no information regarding the speaker's own regular activity patterns or specific meetings.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main adversaries are the Riigikogu majority and the government, who are accused of dividing society and becoming a security threat through their decisions. The criticism is intense, focusing both on political decisions (the stripping of rights) and procedural unfairness (forcing through draft legislation without thorough analysis). The opposition is absolute, demanding a change in direction.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker calls upon members of the Riigikogu to work toward a unified, friendly, and successful Estonia, rather than focusing on seeking out enemies among their own people. This suggests a desire for broad-based cooperation, but evidence is lacking regarding specific cross-party cooperation projects or a readiness for compromise concerning the current draft legislation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is strongly directed toward internal regions, highlighting the livelihood challenges faced by people living in rural areas, Ida-Virumaa, and outside Tallinn's 'golden ring'. The speaker criticizes the government for not knowing how these people earn their living.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are presented within the context of social subsistence and poverty alleviation, emphasizing the necessity of guaranteeing a minimum standard of living for children, pensioners, and people with disabilities. The focus is placed on the social safety net and assisting vulnerable populations, rather than on economic growth or regulations.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are central to the address, specifically integration, minority rights, and education. The speaker strongly opposes disenfranchising at least 150,000 people and the rushed transition to Estonian-language education. Emphasis is also placed on the right to study in one's native language, receive information in Russian from state institutions, and pray.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the opposition to the second reading of the draft Act amending the Churches and Congregations Act (570 SE), which is considered a divisive and unanalyzed decision. More broadly, there is opposition to laws that restrict human rights, such as voting, education in the mother tongue, and gun ownership.
1 Speeches Analyzed