Session Profile: Hanah Lahe
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-05-29
Political Position
The political focus is on strengthening democracy and youth engagement. The speaker strongly supports lowering the voting and candidacy age for elections to the Riigikogu and the European Parliament, viewing this as a progressive step that unites society. The argumentation is primarily value-based, emphasizing the right to vote as both a human right and a political opportunity. The goal is to increase youth representation in politics and narrow the age gap between voters and politicians.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding electoral law, youth political participation, and international standards, citing the stances of the OECD, the UN, and the Council of Europe. Concrete statistical data is utilized concerning youth voter turnout (comparing 16–17-year-olds versus 18–24-year-olds) and their representation in the European Parliament and the Riigikogu. This expertise is further highlighted by the mention of historical precedents (the 1937 Constitution) and legal consultations (with the Chancellor of Justice and the Ministry of Justice).
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is persuasive and analytical, focusing on logical arguments, data, and the systematic refutation of counterarguments. Rhetorical questions are used extensively to challenge opponents' arguments regarding the definition of maturity and life experience. The tone is generally optimistic and progressive, but it becomes sharper when criticizing the motives of conservative parties, labeling them as cynical.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active proponent of the legislative initiative, presenting the draft bill to the plenary session and leading its discussion. Mention is made of their work in the Youth Participation Support Group, the activities of which are considered a priority for raising youth awareness.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opponents are primarily representatives of more conservative parties, whose motives (bringing voters to the liberals) are considered cynical. The criticism is aimed at political arguments—such as the immaturity of young people, low participation, and a tendency to elect extremist forces—all of which the speaker systematically attempts to refute. The objections are treated as a backward attitude that fails to acknowledge the awareness of today's youth.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes broad-based cooperation, thanking the colleagues who participated in initiating the draft bill and the Estonian Youth Council for their input. Consultations with the Chancellor of Justice, the Ministry of Justice, and the Legal Department of the Riigikogu were also mentioned, demonstrating a readiness for legal scrutiny. The speaker asserts that lowering the voting and candidacy age would actually benefit all political parties and ideologies.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on legislation at the national and European levels, as well as youth representation. The regional topic only touches upon the low voter turnout in Ida-Virumaa (53.3%), which is cited as an example of a broader problem that needs to be addressed.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue revolves around expanding youth rights and boosting their representation within democratic structures, with a strong emphasis on progressivism. The speaker points to young people's active involvement in social movements (such as climate litigation) and their deep awareness of socio-economic factors. Furthermore, it is observed that young people are embarrassed by politicians who insult minorities and other ethnic groups, thereby connecting youth engagement directly to social sensitivity.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is amending the European Parliament election law to lower both the voting and candidacy ages. The speaker is spearheading this initiative, which aims to provide young people with the legal means to participate in democracy. Furthermore, emphasis is placed on the need to empower youth participation bodies and ensure the availability of high-quality youth work.
5 Speeches Analyzed