Agenda Profile: Hanah Lahe
First reading of the Bill on the Amendment of the European Parliament Election Act (lowering the voting and candidacy age) (414 SE)
2024-05-30
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
As the initiator of the draft legislation, the speaker strongly supports lowering both the voting and candidacy age for European Parliament elections, framing the issue as one of democracy and societal progress. He emphasizes the aspect of the right to vote as a human right and considers it essential to increase youth representation in politics. The speaker hopes that this discussion will eventually lead to changes in the age limits for Riigikogu elections as well.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise on the topics of suffrage and democracy, drawing upon historical examples (the 1937 constitution) and international organizations (OECD, UN, the Council of Europe). He/She uses statistics regarding youth voter turnout (in local elections) and the low representation of young people in the European Parliament and the Riigikogu. The expertise is further supported by a reference to the Centre for Applied Anthropology's study on youth voting behavior.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker employs an analytical and persuasive style, concentrating on logical arguments and the systematic debunking of counterarguments (e.g., the cynical liberal idea, low activity levels, an undeveloped worldview). He/She utilizes rhetorical questions to challenge opponents' viewpoints, particularly regarding how maturity and life experience are defined. The tone is formal and progressive, stressing that age is not the sole determinant of competence.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is the initiator and lead proponent of the bill, having previously consulted with the Chancellor of Justice, the Ministry of Justice, and the Legal and Analysis Department of the Riigikogu. He/She refers to active involvement in the Youth Participation Support Group, which prioritizes informing young people. He/She also mentions cooperation with the Estonian National Youth Council to gather input.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at representatives of more conservative parties and those who argue that the draft bill is merely a cynical ploy to attract liberal voters. The criticism also targets arguments concerning the low voter turnout among young people, their undeveloped worldview, and insufficient life experience. The speaker poses a direct question to the chair of the session, asking for clarification on which specific young people Mr. Urmas Reinsalu is speaking on behalf of.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes wide-ranging cooperation, thanking all colleagues who signed the initiative to launch the draft bill, as well as the Estonian Youth Council for their input. He/She notes an openness to substantive discussion and believes that lowering the voting and candidacy age would actually benefit all political parties and ideologies.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level (Estonian election laws and the Riigikogu) and the international level (the European Parliament, the EU, and the UN). Regionally, Ida-Virumaa is cited as an example of low voter turnout (53.3%) in the most recent Riigikogu elections, illustrating that low participation is not solely a problem among young people.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker focuses heavily on increasing the social rights and inclusion of youth, pointing out the discrepancy in age limits (e.g., marriage, work, educational decisions, sexual self-determination versus the right to vote). They emphasize the role of the education system and the media space in raising political awareness. They also note the embarrassment felt by young people regarding politicians who insult minorities and other nationalities.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the amendment of the European Parliament Election Act (Bill 414 SE) in order to lower both the voting and candidacy age. The speaker is the initiator of the draft legislation and hopes to introduce similar changes to the Riigikogu Election Act in the future. He/She emphasizes that the bill provides young people with a legal opportunity to participate in democracy.
5 Speeches Analyzed