Agenda Profile: Margit Sutrop
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (527 SE) – first reading
2024-11-20
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly in favor of the coalition's draft bill (likely 536 SE), which addresses the issue of voting rights. The speaker considers this a historic decision, emphasizing the necessity of finding a common solution. The position is policy-based, focusing on correcting factual inaccuracies regarding the categories of eligible voters. They acknowledge the opposition (Isamaa) for having championed this topic over a long period.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise on the topic of suffrage and individuals with undetermined citizenship, correcting the opposing side's misconception about the creation of new categories of eligible voters. They know precisely that foreigners holding long-term residence permits (citing, for example, Pakistan and Abkhazia) are already entitled to vote, thereby debunking the threatening narrative concerning the emergence of a new group.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is conciliatory and respectful, beginning with an acknowledgment of the opposing side for their "very substantive and very balanced" presentation. Although the speaker corrects a factual error, they do so professionally and non-confrontationally. The speech concludes with a direct and constructive question regarding the possibilities for finding a compromise.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
His/Her participation in the first reading of the draft law on amending the constitution is known, during which he/she posed questions and offered comments. No other patterns of activity are evident.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at factual errors presented by the opposing side (Isamaa) regarding the categories of eligible voters, which are deemed misleading and "threatening." The criticism is substantive and moderate, intended to correct the narrative, not to personally attack the opponent.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker stresses cooperation, crediting both the coalition and the opposition party (Isamaa) for driving this issue forward. He is actively seeking an opportunity to strike a compromise in order to secure a unified vote and make a historic decision.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is the right to vote and the status of individuals with undetermined citizenship and those holding long-term residence permits. The speaker attempts to demonstrate that these groups are already part of the electorate, thereby mitigating the fear-mongering rhetoric of the opposing side.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft act amending the Constitution (Bill 527 SE) and the coalition proposal (Bill 536 SE), both of which address voting rights. The speaker is a strong supporter of the draft bill and sees this as an opportunity to make a historic decision, emphasizing the need for compromise.
1 Speeches Analyzed