Agenda Profile: Raimond Kaljulaid
First reading of the Bill on the Amendment of the European Parliament Election Act (lowering the voting and candidacy age) (414 SE)
2024-05-30
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The most important topic is lowering the voting age for European Parliament elections, a proposal the Social Democratic Party strongly endorses. This political position is rooted in two principles: it is value-based, emphasizing that a voter's competence is not dependent on age, and policy-based, highlighting the current inconsistent and haphazard ("pilla-palla") application of age restrictions across different laws. The SDE supports advancing the processing of the draft legislation, notwithstanding concerns about its timing immediately preceding the elections.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding age restrictions stipulated in Estonian law, citing examples from the Arms Act, gambling regulations, marriage laws, and the boundaries of sexual self-determination. In their argumentation, they rely on scientific research concerning voter informedness in the United States and international practice regarding the voting age (Austria, Germany, Greece). The presentation includes references to studies confirming that informedness is not dependent on age.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is analytical and logic-driven, relying on data and legislative examples to dismantle the link between age and competence. It employs direct address toward opponents (Reinsalu, Valge) and incorporates ironic humor, such as references to "fools of all ages" and the fact that adults believe "complete nonsense" about the war in Ukraine. The overall tone is supportive and convincing, underscoring the SDE's resolute position.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The Social Democratic Party has thoroughly discussed this issue within the parliamentary group. No other courses of action exist.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Opposition is directed at those who associate readiness with age, specifically naming Urmas Reinsalu and Jaak Valge. The criticism targets the opposing side's mistaken assumption that voter competence depends on age. Reinsalu's procedural concern regarding the timing of the bill immediately before the elections is acknowledged, but this is considered minor in the context of the first reading.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Emphasis is placed on the unified and thorough discussion within the Social Democratic Party faction and its strong support for the principle of the draft legislation. There is no information regarding cooperation with other parties in supporting the bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation and the comparison of practices among European Union member states concerning the voting age (Austria, Belgium, Germany, Greece). There is no specific local or regional focus.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Several social restrictions are addressed, including age limits concerning sexual self-determination, marriage, alcohol availability, gambling, and gun ownership. The primary social stance is that the decision-making rights of young people are sometimes restricted unfairly and inconsistently, while the competence of adults remains questionable.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is on the draft bill amending the European Parliament Election Act (414 SE), the objective of which is lowering the voting age. The speaker is a strong supporter of the principle of the bill and demands its further consideration during the first reading.
1 Speeches Analyzed