Session Profile: Alar Laneman
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
2024-04-17
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to Draft Law 344 (amendments to e-voting), stressing that the purpose of elections must be the clear expression of the will of the citizenry, not mere convenience. This is a value-based approach, where democratic shortcomings are directly linked to economic consequences, such as higher taxes and a lower standard of living. The speaker emphasizes that election security is the responsibility of the state, not the voter.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of election security and quality control, using comparisons to product manufacturing and oven construction to emphasize the necessity of process control. Furthermore, he is thoroughly familiar with the details of the legislative procedure, criticizing the subjective assessment of proposed amendments based on the criteria of "sincere" or "insincere." He demands objective metrics and scales to ensure the transparency of the procedure.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is fiercely combative, critical, and insistent, describing the situation as "simultaneously sad and comical." Strong emotional appeals are employed on the themes of trust and state responsibility, combining them with logical arguments about the importance of purpose and quality. The speaker uses irony, direct, and occasionally condescending addresses toward opponents ("darlings"), and a provocative comparison to the Russian electoral system.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The debate was concentrated in a single plenary session, focusing on the discussion of Draft Bill 344 and related procedural issues. The speaker mentions that schoolchildren visited him/her on the same day, which indicates active communication with voters or educational circles outside of parliamentary work.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Fierce opposition is aimed at the proponents of Draft Bill 344 and the governing coalition, who face criticism for both procedural flaws and their political decisions. Opponents are accused of disregarding threats and implementing an electoral management approach similar to Russia’s, labeling it a "Putin-style approach." The criticism is intense and uncompromising, particularly concerning the disregard for voter confidence.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative approach is largely confrontational towards the majority, focusing on exposing their procedural and substantive errors. Positive mention is made of good colleague Siim’s position on the issue of trust, which indicates a readiness to support similar value-based viewpoints.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely on the national level, addressing the integrity of election administration and its impact on society as a whole, tax policy, and the standard of living. Specific regional or local issues are not discussed in the speeches.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives directly link deficits in democracy to negative fiscal consequences, arguing that less democracy translates to "more taxes and a lower standard of living." The speaker emphasizes that the state's objective is to guarantee a dignified and good life for its people, which necessitates a trustworthy process for the acquisition of power.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social theme is maintaining societal trust, which is considered the glue holding society together. It is emphasized that the 40% of voters who distrust the electoral process represent a serious social problem that must not be ignored.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on the strong opposition to Bill 344, which deals with the organization of elections. Beyond the substantive disagreement, the lack of transparency and the subjectivity inherent in the legislative procedure when handling proposed amendments are also being highlighted, with calls for objective criteria.
4 Speeches Analyzed