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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  • GeriatricGambino@lemmy.world
    215·
    9 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 Previously Russian and Belarusian resident were graciously allowed to vote, and now this privilege will be rescinded.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
      811·
      9 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were “graciously” allowed to vote locally, and now this privilege right to influence their own community will be rescinded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 the civil 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.