Agenda Profile: Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Report by the Chancellor of Justice on the compliance of legal instruments with the Constitution and the performance of other duties imposed on the Chancellor of Justice by law.
2024-09-17
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
The primary objective is to strongly emphasize adherence to the Constitution and to strengthen popular representation. He is critical of the coalition's procedures and stresses that formal contradiction and the bundling of amendments are unreasonable and undermine the principle of state power representation. He calls upon Riigikogu members to respect the Constitution once again and views his role as the guardian of the Riigikogu in defending the interests of the people.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The text employs the concepts of constitutionality analysis and impact assessment, citing prior expert opinions (Allar Jõks, Carri Ginter) and specific provisions of the Constitution (§10, §28). It stresses that when transposing European Union law, the constitutionality of each draft bill must be evaluated, and one should not merely rely on the fact of transposition. Furthermore, it underscores the necessity of resolving both procedural and substantive disputes related to the draft legislation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
Loudly and with a unified ethical tone, combining factual argumentation and emotional rhetoric. It employs rhetorical questions, such as, "Which proposed amendment wasn't sincere?", to expose contradictions and increase emphasis. The text is formally imperfect, but strongly grounded in values and rights, and remains inviting.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Two presentations are scheduled for the same day (September 17, 2024), focusing on the constitutional alignment of legislation. The text references Riigikogu sessions, the work undertaken in committees, and the involvement of interest groups, while simultaneously noting that current practice restricts participation. It conveys a persistent public stance and includes a reference to the analysis of exceptional situations.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
It highlights criticism directed against the coalition's procedures, and reaching a compromise remains difficult, stressing formal errors and decisions made regarding the restriction of popular representation. The intensity is high; accusations are leveled at the coalition and the government, not just specific draft laws. He/She emphasizes the need to protect the constitution and ensure transparency in the legislative process.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The text confirms prior collaboration with stakeholders (e.g., the Estonian Chamber of Disabled People, the Estonian Association of People with Mobility Disabilities) and notes that this cooperation should have been brought forward for discussion. Ambivalence is evident: while cooperation did occur, the proposed amendments were officially consolidated, which ultimately prevented their submission. The text expresses a desire to find balance and ensure broader inclusion of all parties.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A general discussion concerning the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) and the level of the Estonian state; it does not refer to specific regions or regional interests. The focus is on aspects taking place at the level of the people and the Parliament. This national-level focus concerns the interests of the entire Estonian people.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Criticism regarding the incompatibility of the car tax decisions with the principles of the welfare state, alongside support for the prospects of carrying over tax exemptions for disabled persons and covering their associated costs. The text criticizes budget-based lack of transparency (the explanatory memorandum being treated as merely an explanatory memorandum) and emphasizes that the state must care for those in need of assistance. Connections are drawn to constitutional principles (e.g., the welfare state, inequality).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
At the core are people with disabilities and social justice: the constitutional principle of the social state and the need to avoid unequal treatment are emphasized. It is argued that the modification of the car tax increases the risk of poverty, and that it is justifiable to ensure tax exemptions for all people with disabilities, or at the very least, adequate support. The state's redistribution of benefits is criticized as short-sighted, and the protection and equality of individuals are stressed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Strengthening constitutionality and the role of the Chancellor of Justice in the legislative process; emphasizes that amendments must be debated separately and should not be bundled into a single package. It is assumed that the Riigikogu acts as the guardian of the constitution and that Parliament must listen to the voice of the people and stakeholders. It offers a clear proposal to restore constitutional integrity and improve the transparency of budget deliberations and the state budget procedure.
2 Speeches Analyzed