Agenda Profile: Pipi-Liis Siemann
Draft law amending § 5 of the Act on the Election of Municipal Councils (530 SE) – First Reading
2025-01-30
Fifteenth Estonian Parliament, fifth session, plenary session.
Political Position
The speaker conveyed the leading committee's position to reject Draft Bill 530 SE, concerning the restriction of suffrage, based on grounds of legal and constitutional correctness. Although the objective of the bill was understood and shared, the committee held the view that restricting voting rights requires an amendment to the Constitution, and not merely an amendment to the Local Government Council Election Act. This position is strongly rooted in policy and procedure, emphasizing the weight of the relevant legislation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the realm of Riigikogu procedural rules and constitutional law, focusing on the handling of the draft legislation in the committee and the legal requirements for restricting suffrage. Special emphasis was placed on the legal nuance concerning the difference in weight between a Riigikogu statement and a legal act (decision) when declaring states as terrorist.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is formal, neutral, and informative, characteristic of a committee rapporteur. The speaker focuses on the logical presentation of facts, describing the content of the discussion, the participants, the position of the Government of the Republic, and procedural decisions along with the voting results. Emotional appeals are absent.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's scope of work involves summarizing the activities of the steering committee and reporting the findings to the full assembly. Specifically, reference is made to the commission meeting on January 14th and the presenter's role on January 30th.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The speaker conveyed the Government of the Republic's opposition to the bill, which was justified on the grounds of legal propriety—that restricting suffrage requires an amendment to the Constitution. The committee itself voted to reject the bill (6 in favor, 2 against), thereby supporting the government's position on procedural grounds.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation was procedural yet appreciative; the speaker noted that the committee members understood and apparently shared the goal of the bill's initiator (Leo Kunnas), even though they voted for rejection on procedural grounds. The collaboration occurred within the framework of the Constitutional Committee.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus regarding social issues is on the restriction of voting rights, specifically addressing the matter of citizens from countries associated with national security threats and terrorist regimes. The approach taken is strictly legal and constitutional, concentrating on how to legally establish these restrictions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft bill (530 SE) amending the Local Government Council Election Act and its constitutional compliance. The speaker is a representative of the leading committee, who conveys the proposal to reject the draft bill because it does not meet the requirements for amending the constitution.
1 Speeches Analyzed