Agenda Profile: Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (536 SE) – second reading
2025-02-25
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus centers on issues of citizenship and suffrage. The speaker strongly opposes granting voting rights in local elections to citizens of aggressor states, stressing the ideological nature of such decisions. However, they view the large number of "gray passport" holders (non-citizens) as a significant problem and support their integration, emphasizing the necessity of trusting the people who reside in Estonia. These positions are strongly value-based, revolving around the state's trust in its own residents.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the citizenship application process, specifically citing the requirement for a B1 level language exam. They are familiar with the status of gray passport holders and how they differ from Russian citizens, stressing that these individuals have not opted for citizenship in another country. Furthermore, the speaker is aware of the commission's working arrangements and requests a concrete roadmap for abolishing the gray passport institution.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is argumentative, corrective, and at times concerned, particularly when criticizing the lack of trust among colleagues. The speaker employs both logical arguments (the ideological nature of elections) and emotional appeals (the necessity of trust) to oppose the claims made by colleagues. He/She starts the speech with a fact-check, refuting the assertion regarding the absence of flags in Lasnamäe.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participated in the second reading of the bill (536 SE), both posing a question to the committee regarding the roadmap for the 'gray passport' and delivering a longer, substantive address. They note that they had not planned to speak, but rather reacted to statements heard in the chamber, indicating a spontaneous intervention in the debate.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are colleagues whose assertions either cause the speaker concern or are factually inaccurate. He criticizes Riina Solman's inaccurate statement regarding the flags of Lasnamäe and expresses "very great concern" over Henn Põlluaas's views, which call into question the state's trust in citizens of Russian nationality. The criticism is aimed at both facts and ideological principles.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There are no direct references to cooperation or a willingness to compromise, but the speaker addresses both the chair of the session and the rapporteur respectfully. He is actively involved in the committee's work, asking for specific plans regarding the abolition of the gray passport.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is centered on the Lasnamäe district, which was mentioned in relation to the celebration of Estonian Independence Day. The speaker corrects a factual error by confirming the presence of the blue-black-white flags in that area.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issues revolve around integration, citizenship, and national confidence. The speaker supports the abolition of the 'grey passport' institution and the promotion of citizenship applications through awareness campaigns. He/She stresses the necessity of trusting all people residing in Estonia and clearly differentiates grey passport holders from the citizens of aggressor states.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft Act amending the Constitution (536 SE), particularly concerning suffrage and the status of holders of the 'gray passport.' The speaker supports the bill's provisions restricting the voting rights of citizens of aggressor states and demands a specific roadmap from the committee for abolishing the institution of the gray passport.
2 Speeches Analyzed