Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
Third reading of the draft law on the 2025 state budget (513 SE)
2024-12-11
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional, focusing specifically on the 2025 state budget. Criticism is leveled at the record tax hikes and the budget's lack of clear objectives, especially regarding public transport funding. The main emphasis is on procedural correctness and the protection of opposition rights within the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament), with accusations directed at the Board and the committee for violating those rights.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Strong expertise in the procedural rules and budget process of the Riigikogu, referencing violations of the Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act. It emphasizes the technical details of processing amendments (explanatory memoranda, tables, related proposals) and demands specific data regarding the securing of public transport funding. It demonstrates consistency in posing questions, referring back to previous readings and the minister’s commitments.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, demanding, and at times combative, especially when procedural matters are being discussed. Formal language is employed ("Honorable Presenter," "Esteemed Chair"), but the opposing side is accused of willful ignorance, cynicism, and impropriety. The emphasis rests on logical and procedural argumentation, culminating in a demand for an adjournment to protect the rights of the opposition.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Highly active during the third reading of the state budget, repeatedly posing questions to both the rapporteur and the presiding officer. Demonstrates consistency by referencing previous readings and answers obtained during the information session, thereby pressuring for substantive responses. The pattern of activity includes raising procedural questions and demanding a recess.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponents are the Finance Committee and the session chairman, who are being criticized for violating procedural rules and ignoring the opposition. The criticism is intense, accusing the opposing side of "forcibly bundling" the amendments together and removing them from the voting schedule. Attention is drawn to the government side's irregularities, and a recess is demanded to protect the rights of the opposition.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Works in close cooperation with faction colleagues (e.g., Urmas Reinsalu), supporting their questions and requesting the duplication of the supplementary materials they submitted. Cooperation with the government side is tense and unsuccessful, as the rapporteur incorrectly delegated the response to another member and the committee chairman did not receive the authorization to grant the mandate.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It focuses on national issues, specifically the state budget and the funding of nationwide public transport. Regional or local focus is not mentioned in the speeches.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are critical of the current fiscal policy, strongly opposing the record-high tax increases. They demand greater accountability and transparency in budget spending, noting that the money "somehow just dissipates" without a clear objective or priority.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the draft 2025 State Budget Act (513 SE). The focus is on opposing the draft bill, specifically concentrating on the procedural correctness of handling amendments and protecting the rights of Riigikogu members. It raises the question of what opportunities the opposition has to submit amendments that do not align with the objectives of the bill's initiator.
6 Speeches Analyzed