Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
Second reading of the draft law amending the Aliens Act, the Code of Administrative Procedure Act, and the State Duty Act (challenging visa decisions) (603 SE)
2025-06-12
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance is strongly conservative and focused on protecting sovereignty, opposing the currents and experiments emanating from the European Union. The most critical issue is the rejection of the draft bill that would allow challenging visa decisions, stressing the state's sovereign right and the paramount importance of national security considerations. The approach is value-based, warning against repeating past mistakes (such as the obsession with immigration or the green transition). The goal is to maintain a balanced and conservative mindset.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the fields of security policy, protection of state secrets, and administrative law, addressing the technical and strategic aspects of challenging visa decisions. It is emphasized that the decision to refuse a visa is the sovereign right of every democratic state and should not be subject to judicial review, in order to prevent the disclosure of sensitive data. Reference is made to the rulings of the European Court of Justice and European law, acknowledging their existence but challenging their soundness.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is serious, cautious, and strategic, emphasizing the need to "think very strategically." It employs both logical arguments (court overload, increasing bureaucracy) and emotional appeals, referencing previous "painful mistakes" such as the enthusiasm for immigration and the green transition. The speaker admonishes colleagues to remain vigilant and not be swept away by "campaign-driven trends."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
According to the data presented, only one late address is known to have occurred in the Riigikogu during the second reading of the draft bill, during which a proposal was put forward on behalf of the parliamentary group to suspend the reading.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is directed at "campaign-driven trends" and experiments originating from the European Union, which have historically resulted in losses and suffering. The Chairman of the Constitutional Committee (who speaks on behalf of Eesti 200) is directly called upon to reassess his long-term plan, citing the folly of the decision from a security policy standpoint.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is appealing, calling upon "good colleagues" to jointly "put the brakes on" and find alternative solutions. The specific proposal (suspending the reading) is presented on behalf of the Isamaa faction, which indicates faction-based opposition.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level, concentrating on Estonian sovereignty, security policy, and the implementation of European law. Emphasis is placed on the Estonian state's ability to successfully manage the development of democracy without setting new precedents.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspectives reflect concerns regarding the growth of bureaucracy and the overburdening of the courts, which indicates a desire to keep the state’s administrative burden low and avoid unnecessary expenditures.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among social issues, immigration is addressed, which is widely regarded as a painful mistake given the context of past European experiments. National security and the sovereign right to refuse visas are strongly emphasized to prevent the increase of bureaucracy and associated risks.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on opposing the draft legislation amending the Aliens Act, the Code of Administrative Court Procedure, and the State Fees Act (concerning the challenging of visa decisions). The speaker is a strong opponent of the bill and, acting on behalf of the Isamaa faction, initiated the motion to suspend its second reading.
1 Speeches Analyzed