Agenda Profile: Ando Kiviberg
Draft law amending the Local Government Electoral Act and the Act on Churches and Parishes (544 SE) - Second Reading
2025-04-23
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly focused on the implementation of electoral laws stemming from constitutional amendments and the necessary legal streamlining. Support is given to establishing a transition period (sunset clauses) concerning the voting rights of stateless persons, which will expire on March 1, 2026. Furthermore, there is support for removing the provision regarding the voting rights of clergy in local elections, as this measure has become unnecessary following the constitutional amendment.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a high level of expertise in the field of electoral law and constitutional rights, detailing specific legal sections, effective dates, and procedural rulings. This expertise is based on close cooperation and consultations with ministries (specifically the Ministry of the Interior) and electoral services, although it is acknowledged that the full history of the procedure may not be precisely known.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly formal, neutral, and procedural, focusing on the objective reporting of the Constitutional Committee's session and its procedural decisions. Logical appeals are employed, referencing specific statutory provisions, proposed amendments, and consensus-based decisions. The tone is factual and informative, strictly avoiding emotional or personal assessments.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The procedure is related to the representation of the steering committee (the Constitutional Committee) and the presentation of the bill's proceedings to the Riigikogu Plenary. The rapporteur provides an overview of the session held (April 14) and proposes a timetable for subsequent votes (April 23, May 6).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
None are present. The speaker focuses on communicating consensus decisions and procedures, without mentioning any opposing parties or criticism.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is consensual and inclusive, emphasizing that all procedural decisions in the commission were made "by consensus." Widespread cooperation took place with interest groups and ministries, including representatives of the Estonian Association of Cities and Municipalities and the City of Tallinn, whose proposals were fully taken into account.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation regulating local government elections. Specific regional attention is directed toward administrative issues concerning local authorities, such as the deadlines for establishing electoral districts, which arose from cooperation with the Association of Estonian Cities and Rural Municipalities and representatives from Tallinn.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is insufficient information. The topic under discussion is the right to vote and legislative procedure, not economic policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The text addresses social issues through the lens of suffrage, specifically focusing on the gradual phasing out of voting rights for stateless persons in local elections (the sunset clause). Furthermore, amendments are being made to the Law on Churches and Congregations to eliminate the special voting rights provision previously granted to the clergy, a change necessitated by a constitutional amendment.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on Bill 544 SE, which amends the Local Government Council Election Act and the Churches and Congregations Act. The priorities include establishing transitional provisions concerning the voting rights of stateless persons and setting the organizational deadlines for the 2025 elections. The speaker is the primary proponent and rapporteur for the bill’s proceedings.
2 Speeches Analyzed