Agenda Profile: Jaak Valge

Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (536 SE) – first reading

2024-11-20

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

Political Position
The political position is strongly nationalistic and value-based, emphasizing that the right to vote should belong only to citizens of the Republic of Estonia at all levels. The party firmly opposes granting voting rights to persons whose citizenship status is not defined in the constitution, although it acknowledges the current situation regarding EU citizens in local elections. This stance is clearly restrictive and prioritizes citizenship.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in constitutional amendment procedures, referencing the third reading, the voting requirements for urgent amendments, and the possibility of a national referendum. This expertise is focused on the legal and procedural framework, particularly the links between suffrage and citizenship.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal and respectful, politely addressing the presiding officer and the speaker. The speech is balanced, containing both the party's clear political stance and a direct, procedural question directed at the bill's initiators concerning the referendum.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is too little data.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed against the initiators of the draft legislation who wish to extend suffrage to individuals with undetermined citizenship. The criticism is politically fundamental, opposing the expansion of voting rights, and procedural, questioning the initiators' preparedness for a referendum.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is too little data.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level, addressing the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia and questions concerning electoral rights across all election tiers. Regional or local focus is not emphasized, with the exception of a reference to local elections within a broader context.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is too little data.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The core social issue revolves around defining the boundaries of suffrage and citizenship, an issue that is heavily addressed from a nationalistic perspective. The party advocates for a strict limitation, ensuring that voting rights are tied exclusively to citizenship in the Republic of Estonia, thereby opposing the inclusion of individuals with undetermined citizenship status.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the draft Act amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (Bill 536 SE), which addresses the regulation of voting rights. The speaker opposes the substantive expansion of the bill and is concentrating instead on procedural issues, specifically the possibility of a national referendum should the necessary votes for an urgent amendment fail to be secured.

1 Speeches Analyzed