Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
Second reading of the draft law on the security tax (512 SE)
2024-12-04
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The politician expresses strong opposition to the security tax bill, especially regarding its non-earmarked nature and the raising of VAT and income tax. He emphasizes that the tax increase will neither streamline the tax system nor create stability, and he accuses the government of undermining public trust and the will for national defense if the tax revenue is used merely to plug budget holes. The political framework is strongly procedural and value-based, demanding honesty and transparency in the specific use of tax funds.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act and procedural regulations, accusing the Finance Committee and the chairman of a gross violation of the law due to the unlawful exclusion of amendments. He/She also shows knowledge of the bill's financial details, pointing out the discrepancy between the amount collected (2.4 billion) and the planned investments (1.6 billion). He/She emphasizes the theoretical issues of earmarked taxation and flexibility in the context of national defense expenditures.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is very combative, urgent, and condemnatory, especially when dealing with procedural issues. Strong emotional appeals and judgments are used, calling the situation "outrageous," "absurd," and "an abuse of one's position by force." The speaker appeals to political culture, common sense, and the rule of law, accusing the majority of "ganging up" and silencing the opposition.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in the second reading of the bill, submitting both substantive and procedural questions and amendments. He notes that he has met with both business owners and ordinary citizens to gauge public appetite for tax hikes. This pattern of activity demonstrates a strong focus on parliamentary proceedings and criticism of the leadership.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at the government coalition (the Finance Committee) and the leadership of the Riigikogu (the Speaker). The criticism is intense and primarily procedural, accusing them of violating the Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act, silencing the opposition, and cultivating an improper management culture. Compromise is ruled out until the amendments that were illegally excluded are formally registered.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker represents the positions of Isamaa and demands that these amendments be taken into consideration. He/She offers the presiding officer a concrete solution (a recess and the correct inclusion of the amendments in the table) in order to bring the proceedings into compliance with the law. Cooperation is conditional and requires the correction of previously committed procedural errors; otherwise, the majority will be accused of using force.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker opposes the increase in VAT and income tax, arguing that it neither streamlines the tax system nor creates stability. He criticizes the government's fiscal policy, accusing them of using tax revenue to plug budget holes instead of allocating it for its intended purpose, namely defense spending. He stresses that there is no public demand for such tax hikes.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is opposing the draft Security Tax Act (512 SE) and ensuring the legality of its proceedings. He is an active opponent who demands the proper processing of Isamaa's amendments (including proposals for an earmarked tax and the repeal of the bill). He demands a vote on the amendment that would exclude Sections 4–22 from the draft bill.
10 Speeches Analyzed