Agenda Profile: Rene Kokk
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (536 SE) – second reading
2025-02-25
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is strongly value-based, supporting the revocation of voting rights for citizens of aggressor states, but fiercely opposing the constitutional enshrinement of suffrage for stateless persons, which is deemed "fundamentally wrong" and "unacceptable." The primary focus is on national security and constitutional clarity regarding local elections. The speaker demands that voting rights be restricted solely to Estonian citizens.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in constitutional law and citizenship matters, focusing on the status of individuals with undetermined citizenship and the potential for their emergence in Estonia in 2025. The presentation highlights the lack of a national overview regarding the precise number of persons holding dual citizenship and those who are stateless, thereby criticizing the preparation of the draft bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, direct, and critical, employing strong emotional appeals ("fundamentally wrong," "unacceptable") to oppose the constitutional amendment. The speaker raises logical and procedural questions, demanding clarification from the presenter, and addresses not only the deputies but also the wider public watching the proceedings.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in the Riigikogu hall during the second reading of the bill to amend the Constitution, participating in the question-and-answer round and presenting their position. They address the Vice-Speaker, the rapporteur, and the Members of Parliament present in the chamber.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opposition is focused on a specific provision in the bill proposed by the coalition, which would permanently grant voting rights to stateless persons—a move considered completely unacceptable. The criticism is fundamentally political and is also aimed at the Constitutional Committee for even considering such a proposal. The speaker also criticized the coalition's unwillingness to back the opposition's "very good proposals."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is pragmatically confrontational, offering clear support for Amendment Proposal No. 1, which was put forward by the opposition and submitted by 23 members of the Riigikogu. Hope is expressed that the coalition will nonetheless manage to see reason and abandon the unacceptable proposal, either by backing this amendment or by submitting a similar proposal themselves.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level (the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia and elections for local government councils) and at the international level (citizens of aggressor states). There are no specific regional or local problems.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient Data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is citizenship and the right to vote, which is being addressed through the lens of national security and constitutional order. The speaker strongly opposes granting voting rights to stateless persons in local government elections, stressing that this is fundamentally wrong.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is Draft Law 536 SE on amending the Constitution, the second reading of which the speaker is participating in. The speaker opposes the unacceptable provision (voting rights for stateless persons) and actively supports Amendment Proposal No. 1, which would grant voting rights exclusively to Estonian citizens.
2 Speeches Analyzed