Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
First Reading of the Draft Act Amending the Law on the Election of the President of the Republic (684 SE)
2025-10-15
The 15th Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position supports the bill's cosmetic amendments (such as candidate presentation and deadlines), but deems them insufficient and failing to solve fundamental problems. The most crucial substantive issue is considered the restoration of the proportionality of the electoral college composition, which should favor local governments with smaller populations, in order to adhere to the original intent of the constitution's framers. This position is strongly oriented toward the original spirit of the constitution and is value-based.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the history of electoral laws and the constitution, citing the original intent of the constitutional drafters and Supreme Court practice. They use technical terms such as "composition of the electoral college" and thoroughly analyze the impact of the legal amendment on the risk posed by a "dark horse" candidate. They clearly distinguish between issues that would require a constitutional amendment (e.g., direct election) and matters that fall within the scope of the current law.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is analytical, factual, and moderately urgent, clearly distinguishing between cosmetic and substantive changes. The tone is serious and calls for statesmanship from colleagues in order to reach a political agreement regarding the proportions of the electoral college. The appeal is primarily logical and constitutional, highlighting the substance of the law and its deficiencies.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Mentions participation in the discussions of the Constitutional Committee, demonstrating active engagement in the legislative process. It emphasizes the time pressure, as less than a year remains until the presidential elections, citing the Supreme Court's recommendation against changing electoral laws immediately prior to an election.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
There is no direct criticism of opponents, but there is indirect criticism aimed at the political inability to resolve the issue of the proportional composition of the electoral college. The criticism targets the distortions in the original proportions caused by administrative reforms, which have resulted in the creation of a significant imbalance.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It emphasizes the need for cross-party political agreement and statesmanship in order to change the composition of the Electoral College. The Isamaa parliamentary group supports the deadline amendments proposed in the draft bill and the provision concerning candidate appearances, demonstrating a readiness to cooperate on less significant changes.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The text focuses on regional balance within the electoral college, stressing the necessity of restoring the proportion that was skewed in favor of local governments with smaller populations. It contrasts large municipalities (e.g., Tallinn) with small ones, emphasizing that the rights of all local governments must be protected.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It highlights a previous significant change concerning citizenship and security, namely the exclusion of citizens of Russia, Belarus, and other third countries from participating in local elections. This change is considered a very important and substantive step.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft law amending the Republic of Estonia Presidential Election Act (Bill 684 SE). [It] supports cosmetic amendments (deadlines, candidate presentations) but prioritizes the inclusion of a substantive change concerning the restoration of the proportional composition of the Electoral College.
2 Speeches Analyzed