Session Profile: Ando Kiviberg
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
2025-05-14
Political Position
The political focus is on ensuring Estonian security and restricting foreign influence on religious organizations, especially in the context of the Moscow Patriarchate. The speaker supports the goal but opposes the current vague and ambiguous wording of the law, preferring a narrower and legally more precise restriction. The position centers on political and legal norms, emphasizing the need to avoid constitutional disputes.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The expert analysis clearly falls within the domain of constitutional law and the procedural rules of the Riigikogu, presenting detailed summaries of the Constitutional Committee's sessions. It employs specific legal terminology (e.g., "negation of the negative," "legitimate aim") and accurately references the positions of the Ministry of the Interior and the Office of the President. It demonstrates knowledge regarding the wording of legislative amendments and their constitutional compliance.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, informative, and procedural, fulfilling the role of the commission's rapporteur. The tone is conciliatory and consensus-seeking, emphasizing a personal readiness "to reach agreement" and make the law unambiguously clear. It utilizes logical arguments and references to the protocol, while avoiding emotional appeals.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity is connected to the work of the Riigikogu committees, with the individual serving as the Chairman and rapporteur of the Constitutional Committee. [He/She] mentions participating in thorough discussions and consultations, including the May 6 session and meetings with the Legal Affairs Committee and legal counsel from the President's Office. The activity is intensive during the phase of amending legislation.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Direct criticism is aimed at the imprecise and ambiguous wording of the law, which led to the President of the Republic’s objection and veto. The criticism is political in nature and focuses on legal clarity and the threat of restricting freedoms. The objection is being treated as a problem requiring resolution, not as an attack, and compromise is clearly the preferred option.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Highly cooperative, emphasizing a personal readiness to reach agreement and compromise with the President's Office, which provided a hint regarding the solution. Notes the consensus decision reached within the committee, as well as cooperation with the Legal Affairs Committee and the Ministry of the Interior to find further solutions. Cooperation is the preferred method for resolving legislative deadlock.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation and international security, specifically concerning the limitation of foreign influence on religious organizations operating in Estonia. Specific local or regional Estonian issues are not addressed in the speech.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data
9 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
This addresses the restriction of the operational freedom of religious organizations based on security considerations, citing the Moscow Patriarchate and Islamic radicalism as examples. It is stressed that while restrictions must be legitimate, they must not unduly limit the freedoms of associations, including political parties. This viewpoint seeks a balance between security and civil liberties.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is to refine the draft amendment to the Law on Churches and Congregations so that it meets constitutional requirements and is unambiguous. The objective is to proceed with amending the law based on a narrower formulation that prohibits adherence to decisions made by foreign persons which threaten the security of Estonia. The speaker serves as the procedural lead, guiding the amendment process in their capacity as a representative of the Constitutional Committee.
9 Speeches Analyzed