Agenda Profile: Mart Maastik
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 political position is strongly value-driven and centers on the sovereignty of the Estonian state and the preservation of the nation-state. The speaker firmly opposes retaining voting rights for non-citizens in the constitution, stressing the necessity of being "masters in their own land" and ensuring the survival of the language and culture. This position is motivated by the fear of a long-term security threat and national decline.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the preamble of the constitution and the procedures for its amendment, as well as in the context of Estonia's recent history (independence, decisions made in the 90s). He/She uses arguments related to legislative arithmetic and coalition possibilities, and links the topic to population demographics and broader security threats.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is passionate, urgent, and emotionally charged, utilizing powerful historical references (such as 700 years of serfdom and the Singing Revolution). The speaker emphasizes core values and national identity, attempting to persuade colleagues to act as masters in their own land, backing this up by citing the Swedish example as a threat. He also employs rhetorical questions to highlight the contradiction between his colleagues' conscience and their actual voting.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active on the floor of the Riigikogu, participating both in the question-and-answer session and delivering a longer speech during the second reading of the constitutional amendment. He/She notes that he/she has served in the Riigikogu for two years and has always voted according to his/her convictions and conscience.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at those who prioritize the issue of harassing non-citizens (including 'gray passport holders' and citizens of aggressor states) while disregarding the threat to the sustainability of Estonian statehood. Criticism is also leveled at those colleagues who claim they are compelled to vote against their convictions, given that, in the speaker’s assessment, alternative legislative solutions are available.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker proposes a specific cross-party cooperation variant (involving EKRE, Isamaa, the Reform Party, and Estonia 200) to achieve a mathematical majority and ensure that voting rights are restricted solely to Estonian citizens. This demonstrates a readiness for pragmatic cooperation when it serves the interests of the nation-state.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on the national level, addressing issues concerning the persistence of Estonian statehood and nationhood, with reference to the preamble of the constitution. International comparisons are utilized, citing Sweden as a cautionary example, as well as the citizens of aggressor states.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among social issues, the connection between citizenship, language, and culture and the survival of the state is at the forefront. It is emphasized that non-citizens have had over 30 years to apply for citizenship and learn the language. The refusal to learn the language is associated with a threat to security and the survival of the nation, given that Estonia is a demographically declining country.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is on amending the constitution (Bill 536 SE) to grant the right to vote exclusively to Estonian citizens. The speaker is a strong proponent of this amendment, seeing it as a simple and well-articulated way to ensure the continuation of statehood. He/She notes that local government elections also indirectly influence the national decision-making process, such as the election of the president.
4 Speeches Analyzed