Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (536 SE) – second reading
2025-02-25
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The speaker strongly supports amending the constitution to restrict the right to vote in local government elections solely to Estonian citizens (in addition to EU citizens), deeming the granting of this right to persons with undetermined citizenship both foolish and a security risk. He sharply criticizes the coalition's proposal, which relies on defining an aggressor state, arguing that this approach is incorrect and damages Estonia's reputation among its allies. This stance is deeply value-based, emphasizing security and clarity within the legal framework.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of constitutional law, security matters, and international law (EU law, the Lisbon Treaty). He/She cites a report from security agencies and the positions of the authors of the constitution (Jüri Adams), highlighting the legal uncertainty regarding the treatment of citizens of unrecognized states and persons with undetermined citizenship. He/She utilizes statistics concerning the number of individuals who have acquired Russian citizenship and those with undetermined citizenship.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is serious, insistent, and argumentative, emphasizing the need for a long-term and sensible solution. He uses strong condemnations ("stupidity," "a direct lie") when criticizing the opposing side, especially concerning the denial of security threats. The appeals are directed both at logic (the clarity of the legal framework) and conscience, calling on colleagues to vote regardless of party discipline.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was active during the second reading of the draft constitutional amendment bill, posing questions to the rapporteur, delivering an extended speech (requesting 8+8 minutes), and calling for a vote on two proposed amendments. He/She referenced previous participation in committee meetings where expert opinions were discussed.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at the unreasonable amendment proposal put forward by coalition MPs and the justifications accompanying it, which would create international problems by dividing allies (NATO vs. third countries). The criticism is particularly sharp towards members of the Centre Party, who are accused of spreading disinformation based on their disregard for the security agencies' report.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker calls for cross-party cooperation and consensus to amend the constitution, emphasizing that the amendment requires a result that goes beyond the current coalition. He appeals to individual conscience and supports the simple amendment proposal submitted by 23 Riigikogu members, which would restrict voting rights to Estonian citizens.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is placed on the national level (Estonian security and constitutional amendments) and international relations, particularly concerning the status of citizens from aggressor states (Russia, North Korea) and allied nations (NATO, Switzerland, Japan). There is no specific regional or local emphasis, apart from references to the exercise of power within the Estonian capital and other local governments.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker addresses the failure of integration and migration as social issues, noting that the number of individuals with undetermined citizenship has not decreased, and refugees are being added as a new group. He prioritizes national security, criticizing the situation where citizens of an aggressor state and persons with undetermined citizenship are able to shape political power.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the draft Act amending the Constitution (Bill 536 SE), which addresses the right to vote in local government council elections. The speaker actively opposes the initiated amendment due to its complexity and instead supports the straightforward amendment proposal submitted by 23 members of the Riigikogu, which would reserve the right to vote exclusively for Estonian citizens.
7 Speeches Analyzed