Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
Inquiry regarding the promotion of family and large families (no. 667)
2025-01-20
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is currently on Estonia's demographic crisis, which is being described as a "catastrophe" and "problem number one," outweighing even security and economic concerns. The speaker strongly opposes the government's austerity and tax policies (such as the proposed car tax and the reduction of family benefits), which, in their view, create uncertainty and actively undermine the goal of increasing the birth rate. The political stance is strongly value-based (centered on the survival of the nation) and highly critical of the government's actions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates authority in the fields of demography and family policy, using specific terminology and referencing the positions of demographers. He/She relies on the three main factors influencing the birth rate that emerged from surveys (economic situation, sense of security, housing policy). Furthermore, he/she is knowledgeable about specific family policy measures, such as the reduction of parental benefits and changes to the indexation of allowances.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetoric is extremely critical and pressing, emphasizing the gravity of the situation ("catastrophe," "a matter of survival"). Repetition and emotional language are employed to highlight the government's inaction and detrimental steps. The style is formal, yet it includes sharp accusations and balances logical policy analysis with an emotional appeal regarding the issue of confidence.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Information is lacking, except for the fact that the speaker is actively participating in the Riigikogu interpellation debate with the minister.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponent is the sitting government and coalition (referring to Kaja Kallas’s government), which is being sharply criticized for ignoring demographic issues and taking steps that harm family policy. The criticism is cross-political, accusing the government of undermining public confidence and committing the "biggest disservice." The opposition is intense and demands the reversal of specific policies.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the need for a stable, inter-governmental, and cross-coalition population policy in order to create a sense of security for the people. However, the current communication style is oppositional and demanding, calling on the minister to deliver a positive message or to reverse harmful steps.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is evident in the criticism of the car tax, because, according to the speaker, it "hits families with children very painfully" and disproportionately affects people living regionally who rely on transportation. This highlights concerns regarding the transport needs of rural areas and families.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are opposed to tax hikes and budget cuts, especially those affecting family benefits and extracurricular activities. The speaker criticizes the government’s policy, which prioritizes austerity at the expense of demographic stability and fails to alleviate the economic hardship faced by the populace. There is particular opposition to the car tax, which is viewed as an unjust levy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social theme is family policy and supporting the birth rate, which is treated as a question of national survival. The speaker strongly supports benefits for large families, state support for housing policy, and the preservation of extracurricular education. He/She criticizes the abolition of the joint tax declaration for spouses.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is centered on reversing existing detrimental legislation, specifically including the cancellation of cuts and changes to the indexation of support for large families, as well as the complete abolition of the car tax. Furthermore, there is a demand to reinstate joint tax declaration for spouses and state support for housing loan interest. The speaker is a staunch opponent of the government's recent austerity and tax laws.
3 Speeches Analyzed