Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
Amendment of the Constitution
2024-11-20
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th sitting, press briefing.
Political Position
The political position strongly advocates for amending the constitution to strip Russian citizens and stateless persons of their right to vote in local elections. This stance is intensely value-driven and security-focused, treating these groups as posing an identical threat to the Estonian state. The speaker criticizes the governing coalition for its delay tactics and indecisiveness on this issue.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough expertise regarding the procedures for amending the constitution, referencing the required support of 21 Riigikogu members and the limited opportunities parliamentary groups have to propose amendments. Historical comparisons (the year 1992, the example of Latvia) are also employed to counter the Social Democrats' arguments concerning integration and security.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative and accusatory, starting with a sharp rebuke of the Prime Minister for disseminating information that is both out of context and untrue. Logical and historical appeals are employed to demonstrate the baselessness of the coalition's fears, but the overall tone remains sharp, accusing the coalition of holding the parliamentary majority hostage.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker has been actively engaged in initiating a constitutional amendment and conducting intensive communication with Riigikogu members from both Eesti 200 and the Reform Party. The discussions took place within the framework of the Riigikogu information hour, where pointed questions were posed to the Prime Minister.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponents are the governing coalition, and specifically the Social Democrats, who are accused of holding the parliamentary majority hostage and spreading baseless scare stories. The criticism is sharp, accusing the coalition of voting down the opposition’s bill and avoiding compromise, despite the fact that common ground could be found.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style is conditional: common ground is being sought within the coalition, particularly with members of the Reform Party and Eesti 200 who support the revocation of voting rights. To achieve a compromise, the option of a free vote is being proposed in order to utilize the parliament's overwhelming majority and bypass the opposition of the Social Democrats.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is directed towards Ida-Virumaa and Narva, citing historical demands for autonomy and the failure of integration. This focus is utilized as an argument that the granting of suffrage has failed to yield the anticipated positive outcomes.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The central social issue is the right of Russian citizens and stateless persons to vote in local elections, which is being treated as a security threat. It is emphasized that there is no difference in the political attitudes of these groups concerning Estonian security, which is why their right to vote must be revoked.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is the initiation and expedited implementation of a constitutional amendment aimed at stripping Russian citizens and stateless persons of their voting rights. The speaker notes that Isamaa has already initiated the relevant amendment and criticizes the coalition for rejecting the proposal to merge bills that seek common ground.
3 Speeches Analyzed