Agenda Profile: Ando Kiviberg
Draft law amending the Aliens Act, the Code of Administrative Procedure, and the State Duty Act (challenging visa decisions) – third reading (603 SE)
2025-06-18
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position strongly supports establishing the right to judicial review of visa decisions and refusals to extend residence permits. This stance is justified by eliminating a constitutional deficiency and streamlining the legal framework, while emphasizing that this is a right befitting a civilized state. The entire approach is clearly policy- and value-driven, focusing on the principles of the rule of law.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates legal expertise in the fields of administrative and constitutional law, citing two rulings by the Supreme Court of the Republic of Estonia that indicate the unconstitutionality of the current order. He draws a clear distinction between challenging procedural errors and challenging substantive justifications, thereby showing a profound understanding of the actual scope of the draft law.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is corrective, logical, and formal, with the aim of refuting "information that is contrary to the truth." Direct refutation of counterarguments is employed (e.g., the claim of losing sovereignty), along with figurative language ("painting a ghost" / scaremongering) to discredit the opponents' attempts at intimidation. The appeal is directed both at colleagues and the wider public ("all good people who are watching this broadcast").
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker made a spontaneous intervention during the third reading, noting that while it hadn't been planned, it proved necessary as a response to inaccurate information circulating during the course of the debate. This indicates a readiness to intervene unexpectedly in order to protect legislative initiatives.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed at those colleagues who are spreading inaccurate information, especially claims that the draft law would surrender Estonian sovereignty. The speaker sharply refutes these claims, calling them scaremongering and emphasizing that the state retains its sovereign right to make visa decisions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national legal environment and its conformity with international standards, highlighting that Estonia is the last country in the European Union where this right is absent. There is no mention of specific local or regional issues within Estonia.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues addressed is the balance between civil rights and security, strongly endorsing the right to judicial challenge as a crucial right. At the same time, it is emphasized that legislation safeguards national security by precluding the admission of war criminals or dangerous individuals through judicial means.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the adoption of the Act amending the Aliens Act, the Code of Administrative Court Procedure, and the State Fees Act (603 SE). The speaker is a strong proponent and defender of the draft bill, emphasizing that it remedies a deficiency that is contrary to the constitution.
1 Speeches Analyzed