Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
Reconsideration of the Act Amending the Act on Churches and Religious Communities (570 UA), Not Proclaimed by the President of the Republic
2025-05-14
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly focused on adopting the law amending the Churches and Congregations Act, emphasizing its extreme necessity from the standpoint of Estonian state security. Although the speaker considers the initial draft bill to be in compliance with the constitution, they pragmatically support its processing and the clarification of its wording to avoid further disputes. They emphasize that the law’s objective is broader and that it can be used against all organizations that pose a threat to national security.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates authority regarding constitutional law and procedural matters, citing the work of the Constitutional Committee and the rule of law oversight mechanisms (the Supreme Court, the Chancellor of Justice). He explains the broader scope of application of the law, which affects both religious associations and civil society organizations, emphasizing that the prerequisite for its implementation is the threatening of national security.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is rational, procedural, and defensive, focusing on refuting accusations by stressing good faith and reasonableness. The speaker employs logical appeals, citing the principles of the rule of law and the existence of oversight bodies, and criticizes colleagues for their surprisingly strong belief in the president's correctness.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the Riigikogu session, taking part in the debate and requesting additional time, and references their previous work as a member of the Constitutional Committee. They are closely involved with the handling of the current bill and its procedural matters.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at colleagues who support the president's stance. These colleagues are criticized for having quickly developed trust in the president's integrity, despite having previously been critical of him. The speaker sharply rejects the accusations that he/she acted knowingly and maliciously in violation of the constitution.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is pragmatic and shows a willingness to compromise, supporting the handling of the bill and the refinement of its wording to avoid disputes, even though he himself considers the original text constitutional. He emphasizes the Constitutional Committee's consensual decision not to adopt the law as is, but rather to proceed with making amendments.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus on social issues is the regulation of the activities of religious associations and civil society organizations, stressing that legal provisions can only be applied if these organizations threaten the security of the Estonian state. This issue is primarily considered within the context of the broader application possibilities of security and the legal framework.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the re-deliberation and amendment of the Act Amending the Churches and Congregations Act, with the goal of making its wording clearer and less ambiguous. The speaker is a strong proponent of the law, considering it absolutely essential from the standpoint of national security, and is actively involved in the procedural decisions being made within the Constitutional Committee.
2 Speeches Analyzed