Agenda Profile: Ester Karuse
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (536 SE) – Third Reading
2025-03-26
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance heavily focuses on resolving the status of individuals with undetermined citizenship, stressing the necessity for government plans aimed at motivating them to apply for citizenship. In the speaker's estimation, the bill under consideration appears to be ill-conceived and unjust, as it excludes a community of over 62,000 people from participating in civic life. This position is strongly policy- and value-driven, emphasizing social justice.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise on the topics of citizenship and integration, citing a study by the Integration Foundation and specific data (over 62,000 people and 79% readiness). He/She uses statistics and technical knowledge regarding the work of the Constitutional Committee to support his/her argument concerning the social scope of the issue.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is analytical and critical, focusing on the absence of substantive debates within the committee. The speaker employs logical argumentation, backing it up with data and a more emotional comparison ("five towns the size of Valga full of people") to highlight the scale of the problem. The presentation is formal, taking the structure of a question.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Data is scarce.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed at the actions of the government or the committees responsible for the bill, criticizing the Constitutional Committee for failing to discuss substantive issues. The criticism is procedural and political, accusing the opposing side of an ill-considered and unjust approach that excludes a large number of people.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker demonstrates a willingness to cooperate with his desk-mate, Tanel Kiik, by praising his question and thereby supporting their shared political stance. This suggests a readiness to work alongside members of his faction or coalition.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The emphasis is placed on national topics (citizenship and the constitution). However, to illustrate the social scope, a local comparison is employed, referencing the city of Valga to visualize the size of the 62,000-person group.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Data is scarce.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue concerns the inclusion and legal status of persons with undetermined citizenship, highlighting the necessity of creating incentives for them to apply for Estonian citizenship. This stance is strongly oriented toward social justice and enabling full participation in community life.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the Draft Act amending the Constitution (536 SE), where the speaker is acting as a critical interrogator. He emphasizes that during the processing of the bill by the Constitutional Committee, important substantive questions regarding the granting of citizenship have been overlooked.
1 Speeches Analyzed