Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
Draft law (642 SE) on the withdrawal from the convention prohibiting the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines and requiring their destruction – second reading
2025-06-04
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly in favor of strengthening national defense, supporting withdrawal from the convention (642 SE). This is a value-based stance that emphasizes long-term strategic thinking (the need to "shoe the sleigh in summer," meaning to prepare far in advance) and correcting historical mistakes, viewing the eastern neighbor as a centuries-long, persistent security threat. The speaker criticizes previous decisions as naive and short-sighted, stressing that the strategic security situation has not actually changed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in national defense strategy and the history of security policy, citing the 2004 decision and the positions of Russia and the US concerning their accession to the convention. Furthermore, the speaker addresses the technological evolution of warfare, stressing that ground combat and modern self-neutralizing mines are still relevant and necessary.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style of the speech is critical, strategic, and slightly admonitory, utilizing historical references and an Estonian proverb to underscore the importance of foresight. The tone is formal, incorporating logical arguments and sharp criticism directed at earlier "naive and short-sighted" policies. Rhetorical questions are employed to highlight the futility of demilitarizing Estonia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker participated in the debate in a reactive manner, noting that the previous speakers (Sikkut, Tali, Kalle) had prompted him/her to take the floor, even though he/she had not originally intended to speak. This suggests a spontaneous pattern of action geared toward responding to the arguments made by others.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at colleagues Sikkut and Tali, as well as previous governments and parliaments (2004, 2023, 2024) who failed to take the necessary step. Opponents are accused of lacking political will, short-sightedness, and pursuing a naive national defense policy, especially concerning the persistent threat posed by the eastern neighbor.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes his faction's (Isamaa) historical opposition to the convention in 2004, citing a long-term, though then-isolated, position. Current cooperation or readiness to compromise with other factions is not mentioned; rather, the previous consensus is criticized.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly at the national and international level, zeroing in on Estonia's strategic security and the centuries-old threat posed by its eastern neighbor. The text also mentions the pointlessness of demilitarizing Latvia and Estonia in the context of "saving the world," thereby underscoring the broader security landscape.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is supporting Bill 642 SE, which entails withdrawing from the Anti-Personnel Landmines Convention. The speaker views this step as a necessary correction in a matter of national defense, one that demands greater foresight and strategic thinking.
2 Speeches Analyzed