Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
Second reading of the Bill for the Amendment of the Vital Statistics Act, the Population Register Act, and the State Fees Act (687 SE)
2025-11-03
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political stance is fiercely opposed to the centralization of family status procedures (specifically, birth registration) into county centers, calling into question the necessity and rationale behind the change. The representative criticizes the policy using arguments concerning administrative competence and workload, stating that the justification provided is unconvincing. He/She is representing the position of the Isamaa party, having already submitted a relevant amendment proposal.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The representative demonstrates a strong grasp of the administrative structure and jurisdiction of local government, particularly concerning birth registration procedures. They cite specific examples from Türi municipality and Paide city to challenge the alleged lack of competence often attributed to smaller local authorities. Furthermore, they reference the work done by the commission and the original rationale behind the draft legislation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is interrogative and skeptical, focusing on logical argumentation and challenging the justification of the policy. The speaker acknowledges their lack of understanding regarding the necessity of the change and uses formal language, addressing the commission representative and requesting a vote on the proposed amendment.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The representative is active in the legislative process, participating in committee sessions (the first one) and in the Riigikogu chamber, but notes that absence from the second session prevented the defense of the Isamaa amendment. Their pattern of activity includes clarifying facts and demanding procedural steps (such as requesting a vote).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed against the centralizing provisions of the draft bill, criticizing the political rationale concerning the workload and competence of local governments. The criticism is policy-based, calling into question the ability of the bill's initiators to provide convincing explanations.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is partisan, as the representative refers to the amendment proposed by the Isamaa party, which they attempted to defend. There is no evidence of inter-party cooperation or willingness to compromise with the bill’s supporters, the focus being instead on submitting an opposing proposal.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly regional, centering on the competence of local governments and the accessibility of services, particularly in areas distant from county centers. The presenter highlights the examples of Türi Parish and Paide City to illustrate the impact of centralizing birth registration on local residents.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Data is scarce.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social issue under discussion is the accessibility and administration of civil status operations (registration of births), with the speaker advocating for the retention of this service within local municipalities. This reflects a concern for preserving citizen convenience and local autonomy when providing social services.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on opposing Draft Act 687 SE, which seeks to amend the Vital Statistics Registration Act, particularly concerning the centralization of birth registration. The speaker is an active opponent who has submitted an amendment proposal on behalf of Isamaa and is demanding a vote on it.
3 Speeches Analyzed