Agenda Profile: Lauri Laats
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (536 SE) – Third Reading
2025-03-26
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The speaker is strongly opposed to the draft constitutional amendment 536 SE, emphasizing that the decision places 150,000 people into a group he/she distrusts, thereby jeopardizing the principles of the rule of law. He/She highlights the values of inclusion and justice, and stresses the subtleties involved in the treatment of long-term residents, irrespective of their passport status. The technical or policy-based approach focuses on the general defense of the rule of law and the guaranteeing of rights; no specific social or economic policy solutions are presented.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker refers to the omission of security aspects and uses protocol references as evidence that the constitutional amendments would be invalid or irrelevant given the security considerations. He does not present deep technical expertise but demonstrates an understanding of the importance of procedural actions and protocols in the discussion. This dimension is primarily argumentative and evidence-based, rather than technically detailed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetoric is combative and emotional, employing strong rhetorical questions and personal remarks (“Do they genuinely believe we still have a rule of law?”). At the same time, there is also a serious tone when referencing facts (protocols), which adds a weighty argument to the discussion, albeit one critically lacking in quantity.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker demonstrates active parliamentary involvement: referencing participation in committee meetings and emphasizing that the discussion and security issues have been processed through the parliamentary procedure. He/She also touches upon the context of the third reading and the progress of the proceedings.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opposition bloc is highly critical of the handling of the draft bill and the sidelining of critical security issues without any substantive justification. They argue that the rule of law and public trust in the country are being jeopardized, and stress that the opposition is fundamentally criticizing the coalition's entire approach and procedural methods. Intensity: High, direct, and emotionally charged.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Although the speaker highlights the existence of cross-party discussions (referencing opposition and coalition politicians) and gathers evidence from the minutes, he does not present specific forms of cooperation or decisions regarding coalition collaboration. He demonstrates a somewhat open attitude toward multi-party debate, but simultaneously stresses that, in his assessment, the results lack legitimacy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
National/broad focus; there is no regional concentration or specific region highlighted.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
No mention of economic or socio-economic issues has been provided; consequently, there is no direct economic position.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The rights and inclusion of approximately 150,000 long-term residents are central among social issues. It has been noted that these individuals were mostly born and have lived here, and their passport status or stateless status is part of the ongoing discussion. The rule of law and inclusion guaranteed by rights have been highlighted as crucial values.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislator's priority is the third reading of draft bill 536 SE concerning the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia, along with the criticism directed at its procedural handling. He emphasizes that security issues were previously raised but have allegedly been quickly set aside; consequently, he has focused on the legitimacy and foundational myths of the legislative process, rather than the technical substance of specific amendments.
2 Speeches Analyzed