Session Profile: Irja Lutsar
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-05-29
Political Position
The most prominent political position is strong support for lowering the voting age and the candidacy age (from 18 to 16 and from 21 to 18, respectively). The position is value-based, emphasizing trust in Estonian youth and their ability to make major life decisions. He/She notes that Eesti 200 firmly supports this proposal.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the social and biological boundaries of adulthood, as well as Estonian legislation, citing examples of the responsibilities held by 16-year-olds (parenthood, employment, national defense). To support their arguments, they utilize a historical precedent (the Estonian Congress of 1990) and references to the practices of other European countries. They also touch upon issues related to low youth voter turnout and their lack of motivation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is predominantly logical and persuasive, employing comparisons and legal arguments to justify the decision-making capacity of young people. The tone is encouraging and expresses confidence, calling on colleagues to trust the youth. In a brief rejoinder to Urmas Reinsalu, the style becomes sharp and challenging, accusing him of populism.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in giving talks at schools, which suggests direct engagement with young people and the collection of their opinions. They also participated in the Riigikogu session, even late into the evening hours. They mentioned that they brought their computer to the session.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are those who are skeptical about lowering the voting age, such as Jaak Valge, whose arguments he directly refutes. The sharpest opposition is expressed by accusing Urmas Reinsalu of populism, posing a direct rhetorical question to him. He also refutes the general negative arguments concerning the susceptibility of young people and their lack of life experience.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker works closely with a colleague named Hanah, repeatedly referencing her previously mentioned arguments and specific legal statutes. He/She also commends the young people of the Riigikogu (Parliament) who managed to convince him/her despite his/her initial skepticism. He/She concludes by appealing to colleagues to trust the youth and support the proposal.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation and international comparison, drawing examples from the United States, Lithuania, and other European countries. There are no references to specific local or regional topics within Estonia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social topic is the social maturity of young people and the expansion of their civil rights. The speaker strongly supports granting the right to vote to 16-year-olds, stressing that they are already making major life decisions (e.g., becoming a parent, getting married, working full-time). He/She emphasizes that the responsibility young people take on as parents is greater than the responsibility involved in voting.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on amending the election laws to lower the voting age for Riigikogu and European Parliament elections, as well as the age of candidacy. The speaker is a strong supporter of this initiative and emphasizes that this does not set a precedent in the Republic of Estonia.
2 Speeches Analyzed