Agenda Profile: Anti Poolamets
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 stance is strongly value-based and opposes amending the constitution to grant non-citizens the right to vote, calling such a move an aberration and an aftershock of the occupation. National independence and legal continuity are emphasized as the paramount foundations for the restoration of Estonia. Key issues include security threats related to the potential dual citizenship of 'gray passport' holders and the money laundering risks associated with e-residency. This position aims to correct past errors and restore legal clarity.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the principles of legal continuity regarding the restoration of the Estonian state and the foundations of citizenship. Detailed data on e-residency is presented, including the number of revocations (331) and statistics on cards issued to citizens of Russia/Belarus (6022 and 1611). Reference is made to the knowledge held by security institutions and anti-money laundering organizations (e.g., PPA statistics) to support claims concerning the risks of dual citizenship and money laundering.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is insistent, critical, and confrontational, emphasizing the threat to the nation's foundational principles and security. Strong, value-laden appeals are employed (e.g., "the aftershock of the occupation," "the money laundering factory"), and a "principled correction of errors" is demanded. Logical arguments concerning legal clarity and the fundamental principles of citizenship are interspersed with emotional warnings about pro-Russian influence.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active participant in the Riigikogu debate, speaking during the second reading of the draft act on amending the constitution and requesting three minutes of additional time. The speaker references communication with security officials and the Minister of the Interior to gather information concerning dual citizenship for holders of the grey passport.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the draft constitutional amendment and its supporters, who are accused of creating legal confusion. The Chairman of the Constitutional Committee is criticized for being insufficiently informed regarding the issue of dual citizenship for holders of the so-called "grey passport." Political criticism centers on the danger that non-citizens might elect "the most Putinist, Moscow-friendly politician" to the local council.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strongly on core national principles (the constitution, legal continuity) and international security threats (money laundering, and being targeted by terrorist financing organizations). The local level—specifically the Narva City Council, city mayors, and rural municipality leaders—is used as an example of where this security threat (a pro-Russian political choice) becomes realized.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are linked to financial discipline and regulation, sharply criticizing the e-residency program as a "money laundering factory" that "contaminates the business market." Stricter control is demanded, and reference is made to previous money laundering scandals where not even a single teller was properly convicted.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
On social topics, the focus is placed on citizenship policy and the question of non-citizens' right to vote, emphasizing the need to preserve the foundational principles of Estonian nationhood, language, and culture throughout the ages. The special rights of Estonians are highlighted, such as the right to return to the homeland, contrasting this with the suffrage rights granted to non-citizens.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on opposing the draft act on amending the Constitution (Bill 536 SE), which concerns the voting rights of non-citizens in local elections. A principled "correction of errors" is demanded, specifically the revocation of voting rights for holders of the grey passport, in the name of ensuring legal clarity.
3 Speeches Analyzed