Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
Second reading of the draft law on the 2025 state budget (513 SE)
2024-11-13
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session.
Political Position
The political position is one of strong opposition to the 2025 state budget, which is viewed as a package of incompetent governance and tax hikes. The primary points of emphasis are procedural unfairness (the rejection of eight proposals put forth by Isamaa) and the long-term contraction of the economy, having been the European Union's laggard for three consecutive years. The criticism targets the declining quality of government action and the falling competence in state administration.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates deep technical knowledge of the state budget drafting processes, criticizing the activity-based budget due to its lack of transparency and the resulting increase in power for Ministry of Finance officials. The speaker also demonstrates familiarity with the history of budget compilation and the rushed three-week process. Specific emphasis is placed on the history of the Land Tax Act and the violation of the principle of legal certainty concerning the guarantees provided by the 2021 legislation.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is sharply critical and concerned, describing the budget debate as "theatre of the absurd" and accusing the government of illegal procedures. Formal and detailed language is employed, focusing on logical and procedural arguments, such as legal certainty, governing competence, and the disregard of duties stemming from legislation. The address is directed straight to the ministers and the chairman of the finance committee, demanding clear answers.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active during the second reading of the budget, delivering a long and substantive address on behalf of the Isamaa faction and submitting several procedural requests regarding the voting on amendments. He requested extended speaking time (2x5 + 2x3 minutes). This pattern of activity indicates a focus on parliamentary procedure and the defense of Isamaa's alternative budget.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is leveled against the government coalition and the Ministry of Finance, accusing them of incompetence, opacity, and illegal procedures (specifically, the elimination of proposed amendments). Jürgen Ligi, in particular, is criticized for evading questions regarding public transport funding. The criticism is both intense and fundamental, particularly regarding the violation of legal certainty in the context of raising the land tax.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation is clearly intra-factional, presenting Isamaa's eight proposals as a complete package constituting an alternative budget. There is no reference to seeking compromises with the coalition; instead, emphasis is placed on the forceful exclusion of Isamaa's proposals from the proceedings. It is noted that even members of the coalition (Ligi, Sõerd) have criticized the structure of the budget.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level (state budget, economy, central government expenditures). The regional dimension emerges through the ambiguity surrounding the funding of public transport subsidies and the impact of the maximum increase in land tax on local government revenues.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are staunchly opposed to tax hikes, describing the budget as a "hodgepodge of stacked tax increases" that lacks any long-term vision or structural approach. The 100% rise in land tax draws particular opposition, as it undermines legal certainty for both homeowners and entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the government is criticized for its failure to cut central government spending.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues discussed include the implementation of the principle of legal certainty in local government elections, specifically highlighting the contradiction between protecting the voting rights of stateless persons and revoking the voting rights of third-country nationals. Also mentioned is the ambiguity surrounding the financing of public transport, which impacts public services.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the 2025 State Budget Bill (513 SE), where a suspension of the second reading has been requested to allow the re-submission of Isamaa's amendments. There is criticism regarding the drafting of the budget in a manner that makes proposals by Riigikogu members aimed at reducing central government costs unlawful. Furthermore, the government's authority to modify expenditure lines without requiring additional parliamentary approval is also under scrutiny.
12 Speeches Analyzed