Agenda Profile: Ando Kiviberg
Draft law amending the Churches and Religious Communities Act (570 SE) - Third Reading
2025-04-09
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is on state security and curbing hostile foreign influence channeled through the Russian Orthodox Church (VÕK). The speaker strongly supports the draft bill (570 SE), which would preclude the exploitation of a religious organization for inciting hatred. This position is value-based and guided by security directives, emphasizing the need to protect Estonia's constitutional order. The initiation of the bill was necessitated by Russia's attack on Ukraine and the Moscow Patriarchate's blessing of this aggression.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of the history of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), its connections with the Soviet and Putin regimes, and its KGB background. Detailed historical facts are presented, including Patriarch Kirill's Chekist background, the ROC's use as a tool by the Bolsheviks since 1943, and the history of the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church (EAOC). Specific examples are used, such as the 1996 letter to the US president and the situation in Ukraine, where churches were utilized as strongholds for information warfare.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is serious, analytical, and compelling, highlighting the security threat and the necessity of swift action. It employs both logical arguments (historical facts, legal precedents from Latvia and Ukraine) and emotional language, describing acts of aggression and manipulation. The speaker directly addresses "Head Eesti inimesed" (Good Estonian people) and utilizes rhetorical questions to underscore the cynicism inherent in the opponents' viewpoints.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
This is an official speech delivered in the Riigikogu hall during the third reading of a draft bill. The speaker refers to having consulted with colleague Juku-Kalle Raid regarding the historical publication ("Rahva Hääl"). Other data concerning the frequency of appearances or activity patterns are unavailable.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Moscow Patriarchate and its leadership (Patriarch Kirill), who is considered a professionally trained special agent and a tool of a hostile regime. Criticism is also directed at colleagues who oppose the legal amendment, whose positions are deemed "stupid and cynical, if not outright malicious," and who are defending a security risk under the guise of religious freedom. The opposition is intense and politically charged, indirectly associating the opposing side with serving the interests of a hostile foreign state.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker represents the Eesti 200 faction and calls on all colleagues to support the bill, emphasizing the need to make the state more secure through joint action. The recognition of colleague Juku-Kalle Raid for presenting a historical fact is mentioned as a model of cooperation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on international and national security, concentrating specifically on Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the influence of the Moscow Patriarchate in the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania). The Petseri and Kuremäe monasteries are also mentioned in connection with the historical status of the EAOC (Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church). Examples from foreign countries (Ukraine, Latvia) are utilized to establish a legislative precedent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The issue of balancing religious freedom and national security is addressed in connection with the activities of the Moscow Patriarchate in Estonia. The speaker emphasizes that severing canonical ties with the leadership of a church operating under the jurisdiction of a belligerent foreign state is not a matter of religious freedom, but a matter of security. This should be a question of conscience for every honest Christian.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is supporting the draft legislation (Bill 570 SE) amending the Churches and Congregations Act during its third reading. The objective is to prevent religious organizations from being exploited to incite hatred or violence. The speaker is a strong proponent and advocate for this security measure.
2 Speeches Analyzed