Agenda Profile: Urve Tiidus
First Reading of the Draft Act Amending the Local Government Council Election Act (290 SE)
2024-03-06
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The most prominent topic is the restriction of the right of citizens of the Russian Federation and Belarus to vote in local government council elections, which is being addressed as an issue of constitutional law and political concern. Although the committee proposed rejecting the EKRE draft bill, the speaker confirmed that the coalition agreement provides for the development of a legal framework for suspending voting rights. The stance taken is primarily procedural, emphasizing the government's actions toward achieving this goal.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the Riigikogu's procedural procedures and the work of the Constitutional Committee, citing exact dates, voting results, and the positions of the Ministry of Justice. They utilize specific terminology, such as "leading committee" and "constitutional law experts," and are able to distinguish between the political and the constitutional law aspects.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is formal, neutral, and fact-based, typical of the role of a committee rapporteur. The focus is on conveying the content, participants, and procedural decisions of the committee session, while avoiding emotional appeals. When answering questions, the limits of their role are emphasized (they are not a member of the Government of the Republic), and cautious language is employed.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The primary mode of operation involves reporting the work and decisions of the steering committee (the Constitutional Committee) to the Riigikogu plenary session. The speaker references a prior committee meeting held on November 21st and is aware that the draft legislation was deferred on the agenda, indicating an understanding of the legislative process timeline.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct opposition, but the speaker conveys the position of the committee majority, which was to reject the draft bill initiated by EKRE (voting result 6:4). The criticism from the EKRE representative (Ants Frosch) regarding the slow handling of the issue is also indirectly addressed, confirming that the government is nevertheless dealing with it.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation is described as taking place within the commission, where procedural decisions (e.g., appointing a representative) were unanimous, but substantive votes (the proposal for rejection) were divided. The necessity of cooperating with the Ministry of Justice and experts in constitutional law during the development of the legal framework is emphasized.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation regulating the electorate for local government councils and addressing the rights of foreign nationals. There is no regional or local focus; the issue is discussed within the context of security and constitutional law.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is the restriction of voting rights for citizens of the Russian Federation and Belarus in local elections. This topic is being addressed as part of a broader political realignment, referencing the goal set out in the coalition agreement to suspend the right to vote.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft Act on the Amendment of the Local Government Council Election Act (290 SE). The speaker's role, as a representative of the lead committee, is to present the procedure and decisions, including the committee's proposal to reject the draft bill.
4 Speeches Analyzed