Session Profile: Ando Kiviberg
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-04-23
Political Position
The political focus is on amendments to the Local Elections Act (KOVVS) and the Churches Act, which stem from the recent amendment of the Constitution. The speaker strongly supports the processing of Bill 544 and the establishment of necessary deadlines for the 2025 elections. His approach is primarily policy-based, focusing on ensuring legal continuity by removing outdated provisions (e.g., the voting rights of clergy). Support is also given to the temporary preservation of voting rights for stateless persons during the transition period.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a high level of expertise in constitutional law and electoral legislation, providing detailed analyses of specific articles and proposed amendments. They possess a strong command of technical legislative terminology (e.g., the "sunset clause") and are capable of explaining the rationale behind legal changes, often referencing prior legislation (such as the 1993 Churches Act). Their role is authoritative when clarifying the work and procedures of the Constitutional Committee.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely formal, informative, and procedural, focusing on communicating the details of the Constitutional Committee's work to the plenary session. The speaker employs a neutral and objective tone, relying on logical arguments, reading out the precise wording of the draft law and the voting results. Emotional or personal appeals are avoided; instead, the emphasis is placed on consensus and official decisions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's primary visible activity involves detailing the results and procedural decisions of the Constitutional Committee meetings (e.g., those held on April 14th) to the plenary session. This indicates a regular role as an intermediary in the legislative process, responsible for conveying the committee's work and decisions to the Riigikogu. The speaker also participates in answering questions, admitting, when necessary, a lack of knowledge regarding the history of the procedure.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Insufficient data. The speaker is acting as an impartial rapporteur, focusing on the consensus achieved in the committee and does not criticize any political group or opposing viewpoint.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasized the strong cooperation and consensus within the steering committee, noting that several procedural decisions were made unanimously. This cooperation involved a wide range of stakeholders and agencies, including the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs, the Estonian Council of Churches, and representatives of local governments (the Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities, the City of Tallinn). Solutions (for example, regarding deadlines) were adopted based on proposals put forward by these interest groups.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level, addressing amendments to the electoral law that affect all local governments. Specific mention is made of the positions held by representatives of the Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities and the City of Tallinn, indicating that local-level needs regarding the formation of electoral districts are being taken into account.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is insufficient data. The speeches focus on suffrage and the legislative order, not economic policy, taxes, or the budget.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues concerning suffrage are addressed, specifically the temporary retention of voting rights for stateless persons until March 1, 2026. The repeal of provisions regarding the electoral rights of the clergy is also being dealt with in connection with the constitutional amendment, which restricts the right to vote to Estonian citizens. The approach is strictly legal and procedural.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on Draft Act 544, which proposes amendments to the Law on the Election of Local Government Councils and the Law on Churches and Congregations. The priority is the implementation of constitutional amendments and the establishment of the necessary deadlines for organizing the 2025 local elections. The speaker, acting as a representative of the leading committee, supports the draft bill and is spearheading the conclusion of the proceedings.
2 Speeches Analyzed