Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
A written request for a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Kristen Michal, submitted by 29 members of the Riigikogu.
2025-02-12
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional, demanding a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Kristen Michal and the formation of a new coalition. The most prominent issues are the government's "mismanagement" and lack of trust, unfair tax policy (the car tax), and the plan to amend the constitution concerning voting rights. The rhetoric is strongly results-oriented, criticizing the quality of the government's leadership and its decision-making process (troika-style decision-making prior to debate).
9 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a thorough awareness of the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act, particularly concerning the procedural exceptions for votes of no confidence (Section 134) and historical precedents. They show expertise in education policy (restructuring of vocational education, the merger of Maarjamaa School) and tax policy (the impact of the car tax). Specific data is utilized, such as the reduction in pensions for 146,000 pensioners in January.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker adopts a predominantly combative, accusatory, and insistent style, particularly when criticizing the government's actions and decision-making process. The speech utilizes strong emotional language ("terrible," "the most unfair tax," "a total mess/shambles") while simultaneously emphasizing logical appeals by highlighting political and procedural inconsistencies. Although the tone is formal, it also includes sarcastic remarks (Michal's "stunt/move").
9 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker has been highly active during the no-confidence debate, repeatedly raising procedural questions and delivering a comprehensive concluding speech on behalf of the Isamaa faction. Their pattern of activity encompasses both procedural challenges and extensive political criticism.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main targets of criticism are Prime Minister Kristen Michal and the governing coalition, who are accused of making decisions "troika-style," without consulting parliament or experts. The criticism is aimed both at policy (energy, taxes, pensions) and at procedures (the interpretation of the rules of procedure). Compromise has been ruled out, as the speaker is demanding the government's resignation and the formation of a new coalition.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is completely opposed to the coalition, accusing them of distrusting Parliament and acting unilaterally. He/She points to failed cooperation, citing the rejection of the opposition's initiative (the establishment of the demographic issues committee), which demonstrates a desire to find common ground, but was met with rejection from the government.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Even though the focus is on national and international topics, a regional aspect is being highlighted in the criticism of the car tax. The speaker emphasizes that the car tax will hit residents of sparsely populated rural areas the hardest, as they have no alternative in the form of public transportation.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is vehemently opposed to tax hikes, calling the car tax the most unjust tax since the restoration of independence. He criticizes the government's budget policy, which results in cuts targeting pensioners at a time when the cost of living and inflation are both rising. He advocates for fiscal discipline that does not harm the most vulnerable or residents of rural areas.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is a strong focus on education policy and demography. Criticism is directed at the merging of schools for children with special educational needs (such as the Maarjamaa School), which was done without consulting the relevant stakeholders, and is viewed as saving money at the expense of the most vulnerable. Separately, the complete absence of family and population policy in the coalition agreement is emphasized, despite the record-low birth rate.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker is primarily an opponent and critic of government initiatives. He opposes the draft constitutional amendment concerning voting rights and criticizes the government for rushing the energy development plan and the climate law, noting that decisions are being made before parliamentary debate. He supports the creation of a special parliamentary committee to address demographic issues, which was, however, rejected.
9 Speeches Analyzed