Session Profile: Jaak Valge
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
2024-04-17
Political Position
The political position centers on strong opposition to the current form of e-voting and its expansion to mobile devices, emphasizing that this jeopardizes the secrecy of elections and public trust in democracy. The stance is deeply value-based, while simultaneously criticizing the Riigikogu's procedural inability to substantively address collective petitions. The speaker asserts that Estonian parliamentarism is "finished" (or "has run its course") due to the coalition's dictate.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding election procedures and the security of e-voting, referencing specific issues such as ensuring ballot secrecy and source code review. Data from Norstat and the Skytte Institute is utilized, and experts (Martin Ehala) are quoted. Furthermore, detailed proposals are presented for expanding the rights of election observers. Knowledge of international practice is demonstrated by comparing Estonia with France, Russia, and Switzerland.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical and penetrating, aimed particularly at institutions and the coalition. It balances logical arguments (international examples, cost analysis) with a strong emotional conviction. Formal language is employed, even while presenting radical claims, such as the impending end of Estonian parliamentarism. The speaker frequently uses rhetorical questions and underscores the importance of trust as the "core" of democracy.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was active during the plenary session, repeatedly raising procedural questions and delivering an extended speech on the same core topic (e-voting and the related draft legislation). This activity focused on criticizing the actions of the Riigikogu Board and the committee, and highlighting deficiencies in the collective petition procedure.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Constitutional Committee, the Riigikogu Board, and the government, all of whom are accused of disregarding the law and dictating parliamentary proceedings. The criticism leveled is both procedural (the rejection of a collective address without substantive justification) and political, specifically accusing the coalition chairman of acting as a "pawn" in executing the Prime Minister's decisions. No willingness to compromise is evident, as the system itself is considered broken.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation focuses on supporting and representing the proposals and complaints of the NGO 'Honest Elections' in the Riigikogu, presenting their detailed demands for expanding the rights of election observers. There are no references to cross-party cooperation; instead, the focus is on challenging the actions of the ruling majority.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is mainly domestic (Estonia's electoral system and the work of the parliament) and international (the use of e-voting in other countries). The Narva context is briefly mentioned (through a quote from Katri Raik) to illustrate the issue of lacking ballot secrecy.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic considerations regarding election costs are discussed, with the speaker asserting that e-voting is several times more expensive than traditional voting. This effectively refutes the arguments supporting e-voting based on convenience or cost savings.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the erosion of public trust in election results, which is linked to the lack of transparency surrounding e-voting. This is framed as a problem that threatens the core of democracy, citing studies by Norstat and the Skytte Institute regarding nearly 40% distrust.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on opposing the draft bill that would expand the current e-voting system (to mobile devices) and on reforming the overall election procedure. The speaker supports the proposals of the NGO Fair Elections (MTÜ Ausad Valimised), which include granting observers the right to challenge [actions] and classifying information technology activities as formal procedures.
5 Speeches Analyzed