Agenda Profile: Mart Maastik
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (527 SE) – first reading
2024-11-20
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly value-based, emphasizing the need to restrict voting rights (likely in local elections) only to citizens of the Republic of Estonia, considering this a statesmanlike decision. He/She criticizes the current coalition strategy supporting the draft bill, which prioritizes a broad political compromise (87 MPs) over a principled constitutional solution. The speaker also questions the practice of making political compromises that conflict with personal conscience.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the process of amending the constitution and the mechanisms of political compromise, referring to the necessary common ground (87 deputies) and the role of the factions. He emphasizes the long-term nature of the constitutional amendment and its statesmanlike deliberation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and probing, posing direct questions regarding the presenter's motives and conscience. The tone is serious and focuses on the contrast between principled statesmanship and short-term coalition politics. The speaker employs a logical appeal to draw attention to the inconsistency between the presenter's personal preferences and the bill being supported.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the Riigikogu session, posing questions during the first reading of the bill to amend the constitution. They are focusing on challenging the arguments and political strategies presented by the rapporteur.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the coalition's political strategy, which places maintaining unity and making compromises above constitutional principles. There is also criticism regarding the inclusion of the Social Democrats and the Centre Party in the effort to find broad common ground, as this prevents the adoption of a stricter solution. The criticism targets both the procedure itself and the value-based compromise reached.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
When it comes to cooperation, the speaker prefers finding common ground among those factions and non-affiliated members of parliament who support stricter, citizenship-based suffrage. He remains skeptical of compromises made merely to hold the coalition together or to secure broad, yet ideologically unsuitable, support.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is suffrage, where the speaker strongly supports restricting it solely to citizens of the Republic of Estonia. He emphasizes that this is a long-term and statesmanlike decision, one that affects the country's constitution.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the Draft Act on Amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (527 SE), which concerns suffrage. The speaker acts as a critic and opponent, questioning the strategy for adopting the bill and advocating for a stricter solution based on citizenship.
2 Speeches Analyzed