Agenda Profile: Aleksandr Tšaplõgin
Draft law amending the Church and Religious Communities Act (570 SE) – second reading
2025-03-26
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government (especially the Social Democrats), which is attempting to close the Orthodox Church under the pretext of a security threat. The speaker positions himself as a defender of the rule of law and religious freedom, stressing that punishment can only be meted out for concrete actions, not for a "potential threat." The position is heavily value-based, emphasizing historical memory and the betrayal of the ideals of independence.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the history of the Estonian War of Independence and the actions taken by the Bolsheviks against Orthodox churches a century ago. The legal aspect is also emphasized, criticizing the government for using the argument of a "possible threat" as a legal basis, noting that this phrase is not a valid legal term.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetoric is highly combative, accusatory, and emotional, employing strong historical parallels (Bolsheviks, Lenin, red commissars) and a personal family narrative (grandfathers' participation in the War of Independence). Rhetorical questions and emotional appeals are used (shame, sorrow for the spilled blood), contrasting sharply with the logical demand for evidence.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data is restricted to a single speech given in the Riigikogu during the second reading of the bill amending the Churches and Congregations Act.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the government, especially the Social Democratic Party (the "pink Social Democratic Party") and former Minister of the Interior Lauri Läänemets. The criticism is intense and personal, accusing Läänemets of aggressive atheism and acting according to Lenin's example. Opponents are branded as followers of Bolsheviks and red commissars, ruling out any possibility of compromise.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
No data available
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level, addressing Estonian security and legislation, and specifically the Estonian Orthodox Church and the Pühtitsa Convent.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Data unavailable.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The central social issue is the protection of religious freedom and the defense of the Orthodox Church against government actions. It is emphasized that hundreds of thousands of people should not have to suffer because of one person's potential atheist view, placing religious freedom above security arguments.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on opposing Draft Bill 570 SE, which proposes amendments to the Churches and Congregations Act. The speaker is a strong opponent of the bill, which would grant the government the authority to shut down the Orthodox Church on the pretext of a security threat.
1 Speeches Analyzed