Session Profile: Raimond Kaljulaid
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-05-29
Political Position
The core position is strong support for lowering the voting age, which is treated as a matter of expanding democratic participation and resolving the inconsistencies in age restrictions prevalent across current legislation. This stance is principled and value-based, emphasizing that a voter's competence is not dependent on age. The Social Democrats support the principle of the draft legislation and seek its further processing.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a thorough knowledge of age restrictions within Estonian legislation across various sectors, citing examples from the Arms Act, gambling regulations, marriage laws, and political youth organizations. The argumentation is supported by scientific research and international practice, referencing the voting age in Austria, Belgium, Germany, and Greece. Furthermore, studies are utilized that indicate that being informed is not directly correlated with age.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is analytical, logical, and detailed, grounded in the extensive presentation of legislative examples and research. The speaker is forthright and employs ironic humor to underscore the lack of correlation between competence and age ("unfortunately, idiots are everywhere and at every age"). The address is aimed directly at the other debate participants (Urmas Reinsalu, Jaak Valge) and is generally rational.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The address was delivered during the debate on the first reading at the plenary session of the Riigikogu. The speaker refers to the thorough inter-factional and intra-factional discussion concerning the topic under consideration.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker indirectly takes a stand against Urmas Reinsalu and Jaak Valge, whose arguments opposing the change in voting age are evidently linked to the correlation between age and competence. Reinsalu’s procedural concern regarding the timing of the discussion on election organization—specifically, holding it right before the elections—is also acknowledged, but this is deemed insignificant at the first reading stage.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker represents the unified stance of the Social Democratic Party faction, which supports the principle of changing the voting age. They remain open to further proceedings and discussions within the committee, thereby demonstrating their readiness to continue the legislative process.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation (the harmonization of age limits) and international comparison. Particular emphasis is placed on the electoral practices of other European countries (Austria, Belgium, Germany, Greece).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speech only touches on economic regulation indirectly, citing the age restriction for gambling (21 years old) as an example. There are no stated positions on taxes, fiscal policy, or economic growth.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Central to the social issues being discussed are the harmonization of age restrictions and youth participation in the democratic process. The age limits concerning sexual self-determination (raising the age to 16), marriage, alcohol, and access to weapons are addressed, supporting the lowering of the voting age as a social reform.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the bill to amend the voting age, the principle of which the speaker and their faction strongly support. The speaker is acting as a proponent and emphasizes the necessity of continuing the proceedings in the committee following the first reading.
1 Speeches Analyzed