Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
Chair implementation
2025-09-04
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
Political Position
The political stance is strongly oppositional, centered on the legal and procedural critique of the actions taken by the Riigikogu Board (Presidium) and the government, while stressing the violation of rule-of-law principles. The primary substantive issues concern internal security and national identity, particularly matters related to the voting rights and citizenship of third-country nationals. The overall framework is predominantly value-based and procedural, leveling accusations against the Board for abusing its power and deliberately avoiding substantive debate.
68 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates exceptional expertise in interpreting the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act and the Constitution. He/She is meticulous regarding procedural matters, such as the bundling of amendments, the qualification of an interpellation, and the application of the requirement for a majority of the membership. The criticism is often supported by references to legal provisions, annotated editions, and the jurisprudence of the Supreme Court.
68 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is predominantly critical, businesslike, and occasionally sharp, especially in addresses to the Speaker of the Riigikogu. Strong emotional and legal appeals are employed, accusing the opposing side of "flagrant violation," "abuse of power," and "failure to exercise due diligence." The style is formal, but often also direct, calling for open discussion and asking them "not to saw off the branch we are jointly sitting on."
68 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The member is extremely active, frequently taking the floor at the start of sessions to address the approval of the agenda and procedural matters. These repeated interventions point to a consistent focus on monitoring and criticizing the parliament’s internal organization and procedures. He/She regularly submits draft legislation and interpellations on behalf of the Isamaa faction.
68 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary targets of criticism are the Riigikogu Board (specifically the Speaker) and the governing coalition. The criticism is largely procedural and legal, accusing the Board of selective citation, disregard, and abuse of power concerning the Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act. The government is also criticized for avoiding crucial security and economic issues (such as tax hikes and voting rights), while demanding an open debate.
68 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation is being sought with other opposition MPs, and also with coalition MPs, on security and identity issues—for example, in the initiative to restrict the voting rights of Russian citizens, which was supported by 28 MPs from various factions. There is a call for cross-party support regarding historical topics (the Great Escape). Willingness to cooperate when communicating with the board is low, as the board’s responsibility and competence to follow the law are being emphasized.
68 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily at the national and security policy level. The only specific regional issue is the Regional Minister’s plan to establish artificial regions in Estonia, which the speaker sharply criticizes, referring to it as dividing the country into "oblasts" and reducing the power of local municipalities.
68 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Critical of the government's tax policy, citing "runaway inflation," the economic crisis, and the imposition of new taxes. Supports the repeal of the motor vehicle tax law and criticizes the handling of the state budget, which is contrary to the law.
68 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
A strong focus on internal security and national identity. It demands the revocation of voting rights for Russian and Belarusian citizens in local elections, citing security risks. It supports raising the language requirement for citizenship to the B2 level and would tighten the granting of citizenship to individuals who have repeatedly committed intentional crimes. It also supports amending the Code of Criminal Procedure to increase citizen protection during surveillance activities.
68 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is ensuring the proper working order and constitutionality of the parliament. It initiates draft legislation concerning amendments to the Citizenship Act (specifically, the B2 language requirement and the exclusion of individuals who have committed crimes) and amendments to the Local Government Council Election Act (restricting voting rights for third-country nationals). It also submitted a bill proposing that the 80th anniversary of the Great Escape be declared a flag day.
68 Speeches Analyzed