Agenda Profile: Ando Kiviberg
Draft law amending the Church and Religious Communities Act (570 SE) – First Reading
2025-02-19
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance is strongly focused on national defense and is value-based, supporting the draft amendment (570 SE) to the Churches and Congregations Act aimed at securing Estonia's constitutional order. It is emphasized that providing support for the Kremlin's imperialist aggression is not a matter of religious freedom, but a conscious endangerment of the state. The stance is decisive, and the goal is to prevent anti-Estonian activities by any association that aids in realizing Russia's revanchist colonial ambitions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the history and geopolitical role of the Moscow Patriarchate (MP), referencing its subordination to Soviet Union control starting in 1943. Knowledge is applied concerning the practice of Russian special services utilizing MP structures as a rear base for information operations and saboteurs, and the historical context of the Petseri and Kuremäe monasteries belonging to the Patriarchate of Constantinople in the 1920s and 1930s is also highlighted.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is decisive, combative, and forceful, emphasizing the critical nature of national security and the necessity of acting resolutely. Sharp emotional attacks are directed at opponents, whose activities are labeled a "farce" and the spreading of lies, while the speaker contrasts themselves with "secret fans of Kirill and Putin." Appeals are grounded in the oath of loyalty and historical evidence concerning the Moscow Patriarchate's ties to the Soviet/Russian special services.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is reacting immediately to political events, citing the "staged farce" that took place in front of the Riigikogu on Monday, which confirmed the necessity of amending the law.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Opponents are sharply criticized, accused of spreading lies regarding the restriction of religious freedom and supporting anti-Estonian activities. The criticism is directed at "smooth talkers" who claim that the state's measures to secure the constitutional order are illegal. Compromise is ruled out, as this constitutes a deliberate threat to the constitutional order.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker represents the position of the Estonia 200 faction and calls upon all their colleagues to support the amendment to the law. This indicates a desire to achieve broad-based parliamentary support on the issue of national security.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily placed on national security and the international threat arising from the Kremlin’s revanchist colonial ambitions and the statements made by Patriarch Kirill. The Petseri and Kuremäe monasteries, located in Estonian territories, are mentioned only in support of a historical argument intended to refute claims that there is an intention to close them.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The issue of balancing religious freedom and national security is discussed, while reaffirming the commitment to constitutional values and freedoms. It is stressed that religious freedom does not extend to hostile activities or providing support for the Kremlin’s imperialist aggression, which threatens the constitutional order.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is supporting the draft bill (570 SE) to amend the Churches and Congregations Act. The objective is to regulate the activities of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate by leveraging the force of law, thereby preventing anti-Estonian activities. The speaker is a strong proponent of this initiative.
1 Speeches Analyzed