On Wednesday, the Riigikogu voted in favor of amending the Constitution to revoke the right of Russian and Belarusian citizens to vote in local elections. Holders of so-called grey passports will still be allowed to vote in the next round of local elections, but it will be the last time.

On Wednesday, the Riigikogu voted in favor of amending the Constitution to revoke the right of Russian and Belarusian citizens to vote in local elections. Holders of so-called grey passports will still be allowed to vote in the next round of local elections, but it will be the last time.

Archived version: https://archive.is/newest/https://news.err.ee/1609644830/estonia-amends-constitution-to-strip-russian-belarusian-citizens-of-right-to-vote

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  • Viking_Hippie@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
    0·
    8 days ago

    This is NOT a good thing. It’s nationalist jingoism stripping the rights of people to have a say in local matters, using Putin’s invasion of Ukraine as a pretense.

    a proposed amendment supported by 55 MPs was added to the bill, revoking the right to vote in local elections for third-country nationals residing in Estonia, and — starting from the election after next — for stateless individuals as well.

    The amendment also removes voting rights for citizens of NATO member states from the bill.

    I don’t know if the Estonian nationalization process is anywhere near as arduous as that of most European countries and the US, but regardless, this is disenfranchisement of people who are in the country legally and have done nothing to lose their rights and representation.

    • GeriatricGambino@lemmy.world
      0·
      8 days ago

      This is not about about the naturalization process, or about naturalized Estonian citizens, but foreign residents. In the EU, if you’re not a national or EU citizen, you are not owed to vote in the local elections because you’re a legal resident. Previously Russian and Belarusian resident were graciously allowed to vote, and now this privilege will be rescinded. So I wouldn’t say it’s nationalist jingoism but common sense, Russia is actively engaged in hybrid warfare with the EU, and countries with a shared border are worried enough about illegal crossing from russian agent, so Estonia doesn’t need to grant special privilege to foreign citizens from a hostile country so they can mess with their local elections.

      • Viking_Hippie@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
        0·
        8 days ago

        This is not about about the naturalization process, or about naturalized Estonian citizens, but foreign residents

        Regaining their right to vote on local issues would require naturalization, is my point.

        In the EU, if you’re not a national or EU citizen, you are not owed to vote in the local elections because you’re a legal resident.

        You should, though. You’re just as much of a part of your local community whether or not you’re a citizen. Even the famously hyper nationalist US recognizes that in their laws.

        Previously Russian and Belarusian resident all permanent residents were “graciously” allowed to vote locally, and now this privilege right to influence their own community will be rescinded

        Fixed it for you.

        So I wouldn’t say it’s nationalist jingoism but common sense,

        And you’d be wrong, especially considered that the law is about EVERY noncitizen’s right to vote in LOCAL elections only.

        Russia is actively engaged in hybrid warfare with the EU

        Which is relevant to foreign policy and other NATIONAL issues, not local community politics. Also, Russian hybrid warfare doesn’t justify taking away league rights of, for example, Swedish permanent residents. Which this law DOES.

        countries with a shared border are worried enough about illegal crossing from russian agent

        That’s under NATIONAL jurisdiction, not local, and as such 100% irrelevant to local elections. Doubly so with all the non-Russian residents that are ALSO losing their rights.

        Estonia doesn’t need to grant special privilege to foreign citizens from a hostile country

        How many times must I point out that the law takes away the rights of ALL noncitizen residents before you stop pretending that the misleading headline is accurate and comprehensive?

        so they can mess with their local elections have a say in the community that they’re a part of.

        Fixed it for you.