Agenda Profile: Tõnis Lukas
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (536 SE) – second reading
2025-02-25
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The core political position is strong support for the revocation of voting rights for citizens of aggressor states and stateless persons in local elections. This stance is value-based, emphasizing the realization of the will of the people (80%) and the representative body, and the necessity that political rights should belong only to individuals who recognize the society. The speaker stresses that this is a question of national security and political power, not merely local administration.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the links between local government, national security, and education policy. He/She emphasizes that local authorities deal directly with national security issues, such as organizing shelter and logistics, and serve as partners to the state. He/She also refers to data concerning the proportion of the electorate (25% up to one-third) in municipalities where a large number of individuals are ineligible to vote.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style of the address is urgent and combative, strongly appealing to the will and sense of justice of the people. Strong contrasts are employed (us versus those unwilling to shoulder responsibility) alongside rhetorical questions designed to emphasize the security threat and the immorality of the opposing side's warnings. The speech concludes with a direct and passionate call for the realization of the majority's will ("Let's stop playing games!").
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in the Riigikogu's crucial legislative process, specifically by presenting during the second reading of the draft act to amend the constitution. This highlights a focus on those critical legislative junctures where political decisions are actually finalized.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are members of the Riigikogu, who warn that the revocation of voting rights could lead to resentment and even alignment with those hostile to the Estonian state. The criticism is intense and substantive, refuting the opposing side's arguments regarding the role of local governments in security and education. The speaker condemns the opposing side's warning that certain residents have the right to act against the will of the people.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative approach emphasizes alignment with the broad majority (80% of the Riigikogu and the public) who support restricting suffrage. A willingness to compromise with the opposing side is not mentioned; rather, the focus is on demanding the realization of the majority's will and an end to the opposition's stalling tactics.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is national, but the role of local municipalities in ensuring national security is emphasized. Special attention is paid to municipalities with a high proportion of stateless voters, citing, for example, the opposition to the transition to Estonian-language education.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue concerns the loyalty and obligations of non-citizens and citizens of aggressor states residing in Estonia. It is stressed that political rights should be coupled with the obligation to acquire citizenship and learn the language, placing security and loyalty at the forefront. The speaker also warns against the increasing proportion of unassimilated individuals in the electorate due to mass immigration, which could undermine the public's sense of justice.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the draft act on amending the Constitution (Bill 536 SE), which concerns restricting suffrage in local elections. The speaker is a strong proponent of this bill and demands the realization of the popular majority’s will in the Riigikogu to ensure national security and political balance.
2 Speeches Analyzed