Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
Draft law amending the Act on the Government of the Republic and amending other acts related thereto (505 SE) - Second Reading
2024-11-20
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to draft bill 505 SE, criticizing it as unnecessary and detrimental to the quality of state governance, while highlighting its negative impacts. The stance is results-oriented, emphasizing the loss of accountability and continuity due to constant departmental reorganizations, which is dubbed the "kolkhoz house mentality." Specific criticism is leveled at changing the law solely to facilitate the appointment of one particular individual (Keit Kasemets). The speaker calls on the coalition to "stop this madness" and reconsider the draft bill.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in public administration and ministerial structure, citing the historical shuffling of the Land and Spatial Planning Agency between various ministries as an example. They emphasize the irrational division of functions and the resulting necessity for the duplication of competencies across ministries, particularly regarding the management of public transport and digital affairs. Furthermore, the speaker is familiar with the legal requirements for the position of Secretary of State and the background context surrounding their modification.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical, combative, and urgent, describing the bill as "very bad" and "stupid," and the process as "madness." The appeals are primarily logical, focusing on irrationality, costs, and a lack of accountability, but they also contain a strong emotional protest against the personalized amendment of the law. The speaker uses figurative language, referring to the consolidation of ministries as having "the feel of a collective farm house."
15 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker has been extremely active during the current session, delivering a lengthy main address and subsequently submitting repeated procedural requests for votes on amendments. This pattern of activity indicates a focus on a specific bill (Bill 505 SE) and active engagement in opposition tactics.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is with the government coalition, whose actions are being labeled as irrational and detrimental to the country's governance. Criticism is aimed both at procedures (a constant parade of restructurings) and at the substance, particularly the abolition of the requirement for the State Secretary to hold a higher education degree in law. The speaker makes it clear that compromise is out of the question, demanding that the second reading be suspended so that the draft bill can be amended.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is acting on behalf of the Isamaa faction, submitting amendments, including the proposal—tabled as a sign of protest—to award Keit Kasemets a law degree. He agrees with the criticism raised by the previous speakers, citing the unified stance of the opposition. Rather than cooperating with the coalition, the demand is that they halt their activities.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strictly national, addressing amendments to the Government of the Republic Act, the administrative jurisdictions of ministries, and the relocation of state agencies (such as the Land and Spatial Planning Agency). Regional or local issues are not covered in the speech.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints focus on the irrationality of public administration and the resulting costs. The speaker sharply criticizes the expense of constant reorganizations and stresses the need to prevent the duplication of responsibilities across various ministries, which indicates a clear preference for rational and cost-effective governance.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
15 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the opposition to and amendment of the draft bill (505 SE) concerning changes to the Government of the Republic Act. The speaker is an active opponent, having made a proposal on behalf of the Isamaa faction to suspend the second reading. He/She is concentrating on the voting of amendments regarding the merger of ministries (for example, the Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs) and the abolition of the educational requirement for the Secretary of State.
15 Speeches Analyzed