Session Profile: Eerik-Niiles Kross
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
2024-11-20
Political Position
The political position expresses strong support for amending the constitution to restrict the voting rights of citizens of aggressor states in local elections, while simultaneously retaining those rights for stateless persons. This stance is framed by value-based and security considerations, emphasizing the restoration of "rule of law and order" within society and the defense of democracy in the changed geopolitical situation. The amendment is considered essential because the current situation has run its course.
57 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in Estonian constitutional law and history, particularly regarding the 1992 Constitutional Assembly and the establishment of voting rights for non-citizens. He/She employs precise legal terminology (e.g., the principle of legal certainty, the Lisbon Treaty) and presents statistical data on the distribution of citizenship in Estonia between 1992 and 2021. The expertise also extends to the analysis of security policy risks related to the citizenship of aggressor states.
57 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style of the address is formal, analytical, and thoroughly explanatory, focusing on the historical and legal justification of the draft bill. Emphasis is placed on logical and legal arguments, such as the principle of legal certainty and the restoration of legal peace, while avoiding emotional punitive rhetoric. The speaker is candid, acknowledging the draft bill’s potential legal contradictions and risks.
57 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active legislative initiator, representing 61 members of the Riigikogu, and is closely involved in the specifics of the constitutional amendment process. He mentions a recent trip to Hungary and stresses the necessity of adopting the measure under an expedited procedure in March, demonstrating intense effort in moving the draft legislation forward.
57 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition's arguments are primarily addressed through legal and substantive objections, particularly concerning the retention of voting rights for stateless persons and the bill’s potential conflict with the principle of uniformity of elections. The speaker rejects arguments that link the revocation of voting rights to ideological screening or punishment. He acknowledges that the legitimate expectation to vote held by those whose rights are being removed (Russian citizens) is intended to be overridden.
57 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker stresses the broad consensus (the overwhelming majority of Riigikogu members and political parties) regarding the necessity of restricting the voting rights of citizens of aggressor states. He represents the initiative put forward by 61 MPs and expresses readiness for substantive dialogue and the consideration of amendments, particularly concerning the status of grey passport holders, in the hope of reaching a compromise.
57 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is mainly on the national level (Estonia's constitutional order and security) and the international stage (the EU, NATO, and the Russian Federation's aggression). Local government is addressed within the context of legislative amendments, with a brief mention of the share of Russian citizens in Sillamäe, but a detailed regional policy emphasis is lacking.
57 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
57 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social theme revolves around citizenship and societal cohesion, specifically by protecting the retention of voting rights for stateless persons based on the principle of legal certainty and their unique status. The objective of the draft bill is to address a situation that undermines the sense of fairness among Estonian citizens—namely, that citizens of aggressor states are permitted to vote—and simultaneously to enhance the weight of Estonian citizenship.
57 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is entirely on the constitutional amendment bill (regarding voting rights in local government elections), which is considered the "most important piece of legislation" of this current session. The speaker is the initiator and main proponent of the bill, pushing for its adoption via an accelerated procedure and establishing a legal basis for setting restrictions at the statutory level.
57 Speeches Analyzed