Agenda Profile: Riina Sikkut
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (536 SE) – Third Reading
2025-03-26
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The speaker substantively supports revoking the voting rights of citizens of aggressor states starting in 2022, but strongly objects to the procedural execution of constitutional amendment bill 536 SE. The political focus is value-based, emphasizing the importance of the democratic process and maintaining social cohesion. Due to procedural errors, the speaker considers the adoption of the bill to cast a shadow over the Riigikogu.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of constitutional procedure and legislative processes, criticizing the stylistic incompatibility of the draft bill with the constitutional text (referencing the mention of NATO and the EU). They also possess knowledge of the electorate's demographics, referring to the more than 60,000 eligible voters affected by the amendment, and the inclusion of 'grey passport' holders.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is serious, critical, and procedural, emphasizing the gravity of the decision and the principles of democratic procedure. Logical appeals and rhetorical questions ("Does the end justify the means?") are employed to call into question the rushed manner in which the bill was adopted. The speaker stresses that in addition to the substance of the decision, the way the decision is reached is also crucial.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the Riigikogu session during the third reading of the constitutional amendment, focusing on procedural matters. Reference is made to previous intra-party discussions and government press conferences dating back to 2022, which demonstrates long-term engagement with the issue of voting rights.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed against the initiators of the draft bill and the Riigikogu's handling of the procedure, accusing them of violating procedural rules and showing negligence. The criticism is both ethical and procedural, suggesting a hidden motivation aimed at reshaping the electorate and demonstrating a disregard for Estonia's internal peace. The addition of significant amendments immediately before the final vote is particularly deplored.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the need for cooperation and seeking compromise, noting that opportunities for collaboration should have been sought within the chamber much earlier in order to reach a substantive decision. At the current stage, the lack of cooperation is sharply criticized, which resulted in the draft bill undergoing significant changes during the proceedings.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Insufficient data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue revolves around restricting suffrage and citizenship policy, specifically supporting the revocation of voting rights for citizens of aggressor states. Simultaneously, emphasis is placed on the state's responsibility in integrating individuals with undetermined citizenship and maintaining social cohesion, thereby preventing their alienation and ensuring their readiness to defend Estonia.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is on the procedural flaws of the draft Act amending the Constitution (Bill 536 SE) and its impact on suffrage. The speaker is a procedural opponent, criticizing the wording of the bill, late amendments, and the fact that the removal of voting rights for holders of the gray passport was included as collateral damage.
4 Speeches Analyzed