Agenda Profile: Ando Kiviberg
Draft law amending the Church and Religious Communities Act (570 UA) – second reading
2025-06-11
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is firmly aimed at defending the independence and democratic order of the Republic of Estonia, supporting a legislative bill that severs subordinate relationships with individuals who pose a threat to Estonia. The speaker emphasizes that this constitutes the protection of a fundamental constitutional value, and not the restriction of religious freedom. The position is clearly value-based and guided by national security considerations.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise both in the process of constitutional review (specifically, the role of the Supreme Court as the final judicial authority regarding the President's assessment) and in the historical context of the Estonian Orthodox Church. He refers to specific historical events, such as the activities of the Russian Orthodox Church, established by Stalin in 1943, during the reoccupation of Estonia.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is argumentative, persuasive, and occasionally combative, particularly when refuting objections, where the opposing side's claims are labeled as false. Strong, value-based appeals (such as the defense of Estonian independence) and historical context are employed to underscore the necessity of the proposed bill. The tone is formal and logical, stressing clear legal and historical facts.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
It strongly opposes those who claim that the bill infringes on religious freedom or grants the minister arbitrary power, dismissing these claims as untrue. Ideological criticism is directed against individuals who have expressed the view that the independence of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania is a temporary phenomenon. Also criticized is the elevation of the assessment made by the President of the Republic of Estonia to the status of ultimate truth.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on the national level (the independence and democratic order of the Republic of Estonia) and on the international threat stemming from individuals who consider the independence of the Baltic states temporary. The context of Latvia and Lithuania regarding the threat to independence is also mentioned.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is freedom of religion, with the speaker affirming that Orthodox believers are able to continue practicing their faith as they have done previously. However, it is stressed that religious freedom cannot serve as a shield for activities aimed at destroying the fundamental values of the Republic of Estonia.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on supporting the draft act amending the Churches and Congregations Act, the goal of which is to sever ties of subordination with individuals who threaten Estonia's independence. The speaker is a strong proponent and defender of the bill, actively participating in its second reading.
1 Speeches Analyzed