Agenda Profile: Kalev Stoicescu
Draft law amending the Church and Religious Communities Act (570 UA) – second reading
2025-06-11
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly supportive of the draft bill amending the law on churches and congregations, which is justified by national security considerations. The position is value-based, emphasizing the need to end subordination to the Moscow Patriarchate, which is considered part of Putin's criminal regime and which blesses the aggression against Ukraine.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the canonical and historical relations of the Orthodox Church (Constantinople, the situation preceding 1940, the tomos), as well as the role of Russian special services (KGB, FSB) within the leadership of the Moscow Patriarchate. Specific references are employed, such as Patriarch Kirill’s codename "Mikhailov" and his activities in Switzerland during the 1970s.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is very combative and forceful, employing strong analogies (comparing subordination to a community subservient to the ISIS emir) and condemnatory language. The appeal is a mixture of logical security analysis and emotional condemnation regarding the actions of the Moscow Patriarchate, calling the opposing side's claims of apoliticism "ridiculous."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Presents at the Riigikogu sitting during the second reading of the draft law. Mention is made of a recent Kuku Raadio broadcast where Bishop Daniel spoke. There is no information regarding broader patterns of activity.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Estonian Christian Orthodox Church (EKOÕK), which is subordinate to the Moscow Patriarchate, and its leadership. They are accused of direct subordination to the Putin regime and the dissemination of anti-Estonian propaganda. The criticism is intense and based on political and security concerns, citing Bishop Daniel's activities before the UN in Geneva and his appeal to the US religious freedom commission.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker voiced clear agreement with and support for the positions held by colleagues Ando Kiviberg and Helir-Valdor Seeder. They demonstrated cooperation in backing the draft law and affirmed that the constitution would not be violated.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national security and international relations, particularly concerning Russia's aggression and the activities of the Moscow Patriarchate. International forums are mentioned, such as the UN in Geneva and the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, where complaints are being lodged against Estonia.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The limits of religious freedom in connection with national security are addressed, emphasizing that Estonia protects religious freedom, but not subordination to the Moscow Patriarchate, which supports the Putin regime. A strong moral framework is utilized, linking the activities of the Moscow Patriarchate with the support of a criminal regime.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus centers on the draft amendment to the Law on Churches and Congregations (570 UA). The speaker is a strong supporter of this bill, emphasizing that it is necessary to mitigate the security threat and that it does not violate the constitution.
1 Speeches Analyzed