Estonia, one of the three Baltic states, has taken a new step in restricting the rights of Russians and Belarusians living on its territory. Representatives of both these countries are considered nationals of the invaded country after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The ruling party proposed constitutional amendments. The adopted amendments aim to prevent citizens of Russia and Belarus from voting in local elections. They have had this right since 2003.
Estonia. More restrictions are coming. It's about Russians and Belarusians.
The initiative requires a qualified majority, or four-fifths of the Estonian parliament. Importantly, the idea received approval from government leader Kristen Michal. He is the leader of the Estonian Reform Party.
Parliamentary Constitution Committee Chairman Hendrik Telas said a draft amendment could be submitted to Parliament as early as Thursday morning. This would allow citizens of the invaded country to be prevented from voting in local elections to be held in 2025.
The updated list of voters will include nationals of Estonia, NATO countries, the European Union, the European Economic Area and the Swiss Confederation. Citizens of countries with which Tallinn has appropriate agreements also retain the right to participate in elections.
Estonia wants to disenfranchise Russians and Belarusians
Although there are still differences of opinion within the ruling coalition, there is general agreement on the appropriateness of the changes being introduced.
Lauri Ränemec, head of the Estonian Ministry of Interior and leader of the Social Democratic Party, has instructed Russians and Belarusians to start applying for Estonian citizenship. It is very likely that soon this will be the only way they will be able to vote in elections.
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“Political debate”. Sociologist about Polish prisons/Polsat News Polityka
