Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
First reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Close the Temporary Control Line Between the Republic of Estonia and the Russian Federation" (722 OE)
2025-11-11
XV Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The central theme is ensuring the security of the Estonian state through the closure of the control line, which is presented as a strongly value-based and practical necessity. The speaker emphasizes that this is crucial for reducing risks and sending a political signal, while criticizing the government's slowness and inability to make decisions on this issue. Additionally, the need to avoid concluding a future border treaty without referencing the Tartu Peace Treaty is stressed, demonstrating a long-term national focus.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in border guard and security matters, referencing the border closure practices utilized by neighboring states (Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland) and previous recommendations issued by security agencies (PPA). The speaker cites statistical data regarding the number of border crossers ("thousands") and identifies specific security threats (drones, balloons, Zapad 2025). Furthermore, the speaker is knowledgeable about the nuances of international law (e.g., the comparison regarding the blocking of Kaliningrad transit).
13 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is predominantly serious, convincing, and at times forceful, emphasizing the extent of security threats and the urgent need for action. Both logical arguments (resource liberation, sanctions monitoring) and emotional/patriotic appeals (referencing a "pro-Estonian, patriotic" bill) are employed. The speaker frequently uses rhetorical questions to cast doubt on the government's and coalition's trust in security institutions.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The presenter is introducing the draft bill on behalf of the Isamaa parliamentary group, standing in for Urmas Reinsalu. He/She referred to previous discussions held in the Riigikogu and the Constitutional Committee, noting the repeated raising of this issue. It was also mentioned that the preparers of the draft legislation met directly with residents of the Seto region.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at the Government of the Republic and coalition MPs, accusing them of voting down the previous bill and making inadequate decisions. The government is also criticized for its lack of interest and indifference regarding the absence of necessary border crossing statistics. The speaker rejects EKRE's criticism regarding Isamaa's previous collective responsibility, stressing that service must be rendered to the "fatherland with a lowercase 'i'," not to the Isamaa political party.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker calls for broad-based parliamentary support, stressing the statesmanlike quality of the draft legislation. He notes that the bill has not been coordinated with other parliamentary groups (such as Eesti 200), but representatives from all factions were able to review it in the committee. He emphasizes the need for unified political input to the government.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on border areas, specifically the Narva border crossing and Southeast Estonia (the Seto region). It is recognized that the closure of the control line will cause inconvenience and have an economic impact on residents living near the border (Narva, Southeast Estonia). Furthermore, the issue of the Saatse Boot is cited as an analogous example of prioritizing security.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic considerations are secondary to security; the bill supports enhancing the implementation of sanctions and improving oversight. It is acknowledged that the closure will have a negative economic impact and cause inconvenience, but this is an acceptable price for increasing the security of the Estonian state.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues addressed are the difficulties faced by residents living near the border and the process of applying for international protection. The speaker believes that closing the border will reduce the number of international protection applicants and lessen the obligations of the Estonian state. He sees no empirical evidence that the loyalty of border residents toward the Estonian state has improved in recent years.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main priority is the Riigikogu submitting a proposal to the Government of the Republic to close the temporary control line (Draft Bill 722 OE). The speaker is acting as the initiator (on behalf of the Isamaa faction) and stresses that this is a political initiative aimed at pressuring the government, not at stripping the government of its decision-making authority.
13 Speeches Analyzed