Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
Draft law amending the Church and Religious Communities Act (570 UA) – second reading
2025-06-11
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position strongly supports the draft amendment to the Churches and Congregations Act, justifying its adoption as a necessary step both from a security standpoint and for ensuring internal peace and safety. The speaker defends the parliament’s actions, emphasizing its good faith and dedication to the principles of the rule of law, while avoiding unnecessary disputes with the President. This represents the position of the Isamaa faction.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates proficiency in constitutional law and complex legislative procedure, particularly concerning the handling of presidential objections and the interrelation of statutes. He/She explains in detail how constitutional amendments regarding local elections affected the activities of the clergy, and references knowledge of KAPO (Internal Security Service) threat assessments.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is defensive and analytical, aimed at refuting accusations that Parliament maliciously violated the constitution. Logical arguments and procedural justifications are employed, emphasizing Parliament's benevolent gesture in accommodating the churches. The tone is formal and measured, focusing on rule-of-law considerations.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The patterns of activity indicate a reaction to the ongoing debate, as the speaker noted that they had not planned to take the floor, but felt it necessary to intervene because of the preceding speeches. One procedural question was posed to the Commission's representative, followed by a comprehensive speech outlining the faction's position.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at those who create the impression that parliament is a "wicked society of conspirators" that knowingly violates the constitution. It also sharply criticizes the call to leave the law unchanged and to instruct law enforcement agencies (KAPO) to act more forcefully, labeling this a serious threat to the Estonian rule of law.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is pragmatic and compromise-seeking, preferring to amend the law to take the President's remarks into account, thereby avoiding unnecessary disputes, costs, and contradictions in the Supreme Court. Reference is also made to the previous broad-based consensus achieved during the process of amending the constitution.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely at the national level, addressing constitutional issues, internal security, and the legislation concerning churches and congregations. There is no regional focus.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The text addresses a social issue concerning the right of third-country nationals to work as clergy, while simultaneously protecting the interests of churches and congregations and resolving a legislative conflict. Significant emphasis is also placed on internal security and safeguarding the rule of law against potential overreach by law enforcement bodies.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on supporting and adopting the draft amendment (570 UA) to the Churches and Congregations Act. The objective is to resolve the conflicts that emerged following the constitutional amendment regarding the eligibility of the clergy to stand for election, and to prevent further disputes with the President by clarifying the provisions.
2 Speeches Analyzed