Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
Draft law (642 SE) for withdrawing from the convention prohibiting the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines and requiring their destruction – first reading
2025-05-21
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
Political Position
The political stance is heavily security-centric, stressing the necessity of adopting a long-term perspective and preparing for crises during peacetime. The speaker supports withdrawing from the convention (642 SE), deeming the 2004 accession a short-sighted error. The framing of security matters is distinctly value-based, emphasizing prudence and foresight.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the history of security policy and legislation, detailing the 2004 Riigikogu debate and the opposition voiced at the time by the Isamaa faction. This expertise is grounded in political memory and the long-term assessment of historical decisions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and judgmental, employing strong language such as "extremely short-sighted" and "mistake" to underscore the failure of the previous decision. The speaker directs pointed questions at the minister/commission representative, demanding an admission of the benefit of hindsight. The style is formal, yet confrontational, focusing on the logical argument surrounding long-term security planning.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in the ongoing legislative process (the first reading of the draft bill) and references their previous participation in similar security-themed discussions in 2004.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at the 2004 decision-makers (politicians and diplomats who championed mainstream ideas), who are criticized for their short-sightedness regarding security issues. The claim by the commission representative that joining the convention happened "reluctantly" is also being challenged, with emphasis placed on the fact that support at the time was relatively unanimous. The criticism is policy-driven and focuses on the quality of the decisions made.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the historical distinctiveness, noting that Isamaa was the only party in 2004 to oppose joining the convention. This indicates a willingness to stand alone on security issues if it is necessary for the long-term benefit.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national security and the impact of international conventions on Estonia's defense capability. There is no regional or local focus.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on Bill 642 SE, which concerns withdrawal from the convention banning the use of anti-personnel landmines. The speaker is a strong proponent of this bill and is using it as a platform to emphasize the necessity of long-term planning in security policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed