Agenda Profile: Eerik-Niiles Kross

The speaker strongly supports amending the constitution to restrict the voting rights of citizens of aggressor states (primarily Russia) in local elections by positively defining the electorate (citizens of Estonia, the EU, and NATO). The primary framework is value-based and security-driven, emphasizing the need to restore "legal peace" in society and protect Estonian statehood in the changed geopolitical situation. At the same time, based on the principle of legal certainty, he advocates retaining voting rights for persons with undetermined citizenship, recognizing this as a consequence of the historical decision of 1992.

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in constitutional law and Estonian political history, referencing in detail the work of the Constitutional Assembly, the protocols of the committees, and the 1992 citizenship situation. He/She utilizes statistical data concerning demographic shifts (the decrease in the number of stateless persons and the growth in the number of Russian citizens) and relies on the principles of international law and democracy (e.g., the Lisbon Treaty, ECHR Article 16). The presentation is highly analytical and legally substantiated, clearly distinguishing between legitimate and emotional arguments.

The speaker's style is formal, measured, and analytical, focusing primarily on legal and historical arguments. He avoids emotional appeals, although he acknowledges the Estonian citizens' sense of justice, and repeatedly rejects accusations of implementing "punishment" or "thought control." The address is detailed and complex, containing numerous references to laws and legal principles, and he is prepared to answer numerous questions at length and in depth.

The speaker is an active legislator who is chairing the first reading of one of the most significant draft bills of the current Riigikogu session. He mentions a recent return from Hungary, indicating involvement in international activities. His pattern of activity involves the long-term addressing of constitutional and security issues, dating back to the 1990s, and he participates intensely in parliamentary debates.

The speaker indirectly criticizes those who view the draft law as being motivated by a security threat or support for Putin, emphasizing instead that the primary driver is the restoration of legal order. He challenges the positions of other parties (such as the Social Democrats and Isamaa) regarding the rights of gray passport holders, but does so on a legal rather than a personal basis. He is also critical of the actions of the Russian Federation, which have complicated the renunciation of citizenship, but he does not make this the central theme of the draft law.

The speaker emphasized the broad support for the draft bill, noting that it was submitted by 61 members of the Riigikogu and that the overwhelming majority of political parties have reached a consensus. He/She demonstrated openness to substantive discussion and compromise, particularly on the issue of voting rights for grey passport holders, and pointed out that a longer-than-usual period has been allocated for submitting amendments.

The focus is predominantly at the national and international level, addressing Estonia's constitutional order, security, and relations with the EU and NATO. Local government is a topic being amended, but there is a lack of detailed regional focus, apart from a brief mention regarding the proportion of Russian citizens in Sillamäe.

Information is unavailable. The speech is entirely focused on constitutional rights, citizenship, and security; economic issues are not addressed.

The speaker addresses issues of citizenship and integration, seeing the constitutional amendment as an opportunity to enhance the significance of Estonian citizenship and to steer Russian citizens towards naturalization. He/She emphasizes that restricting the right to vote is not a punishment, but the sovereign right of the state to define the electorate, and that this is necessary for strengthening confidence in the democratic system.

The main legislative priority is the amendment of the second paragraph of § 156 of Chapter XIV of the Constitution (Bill 536 SE) to establish a citizenship requirement for local elections. The speaker is the initiator and presenter of the bill, with the aim of creating a legal basis for imposing restrictions and adopting the amendment under accelerated procedure by March, so that it will be applicable to the next local elections.