Agenda Profile: Aleksei Jevgrafov
The right to vote
2024-04-10
15th Estonian Parliament, third sitting, information briefing
Political Position
The most crucial issue is the retention of voting rights in local elections for over 70,000 permanent residents, a removal which the speaker strongly opposes. This stance is aimed at refuting political arguments that automatically equate Russian citizenship with disloyalty. The speaker stresses that this is an unreasonable and shortsighted move that contradicts the findings of relevant studies.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of integration policy and constitutional law, referencing the results of integration studies and the positions of social scientists (Marju Lauristin). Authoritative sources are utilized, such as the Chancellor of Justice’s repeated warnings regarding unconstitutionality. Furthermore, a detailed example of the practical obstacles to renouncing citizenship is presented, which indicates a profound understanding of the subject matter.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal and logical, focusing on arguments and facts, such as the results of studies and the positions held by the Chancellor of Justice. An emotional appeal is also utilized, highlighting a specific example of an individual's worry and the vicious circle created by the renunciation of citizenship. The speaker is persistent, repeatedly posing their question to the Prime Minister and demanding substantial arguments.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's pattern of engagement has centered on asking the Prime Minister repeated and detailed questions during the Riigikogu session, indicating active involvement in the debate surrounding a specific draft bill. All appearances took place on a single day, April 10, 2024, highlighting the priority given to this topic.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the prime minister and her party, whose arguments regarding Russian influence are considered baseless and short-sighted. The criticism is political, legal, and fact-based, stressing that the deprivation of voting rights is unconstitutional. The speaker challenges the prime minister to present compelling arguments in defense of her stance.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Direct cooperation is not detailed, but the speaker refers to the stance of the coalition partners (the Social Democrats), who consider the revocation of voting rights unreasonable. This is done to emphasize the weakness of the opposing side and to support their own argument.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level (Estonian permanent residents, the Riigikogu, the Prime Minister) and the international level (the activities of Russian embassies and the hindering of renouncing citizenship). Specific Estonian regions or local projects are not mentioned, even though the topic relates to local elections.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The only economic reference is the emphasis that the permanent residents whose voting rights are sought to be revoked are law-abiding taxpayers, which underscores their contribution to the state. The data does not contain broader positions regarding taxes, the budget, or economic growth.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is suffrage and integration, where the speaker strongly champions the civil rights and loyalty of permanent residents. It is stressed that many of these individuals are loyal to Estonia, having been born and raised here, and restricting their rights due to a lack of citizenship is unjust.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed at opposing the draft bill concerning the revocation of voting rights in local elections, a measure to which the speaker is a strong opponent. It is emphasized that the Chancellor of Justice considers any such attempt to pass the law unconstitutional and is prepared to appeal to the Supreme Court.
3 Speeches Analyzed