Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
Re-examination of the Act Amending the Act on Churches and Religious Communities (570 UA) Not Proclaimed by the President of the Republic
2025-09-17
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting.
Political Position
The political focus is on national security and counteracting Russia's geopolitical goals, emphasizing the role of congregations under Moscow's jurisdiction as a tool for the ideology of aggression. The speaker strongly supports a bill that would reduce the influence of the Moscow Patriarchate, considering this a major national security interest. The position is clearly value-based (security) and policy-based (a legislative solution).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the relationship between security policy and geopolitical aggression, referencing European Union politicians and security agencies. They possess in-depth knowledge of parliamentary procedure, constitutional analysis, quorum requirements, and the principles of the rule of law. Their arguments are based on expert assessments concerning the Centre Party's proposed changes and the opinion article published by ERR.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is measured, yet forceful and persuasive, focusing on logical and legal arguments (e.g., the size of the parliamentary quorum and the reform of the veto). The speaker adopts a cautionary tone, stressing that ensuring security must not be held hostage by the "technical rule of law," and calls upon members of parliament to act with restraint.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in the legislative process, having repeatedly participated in the proceedings concerning the bill under discussion, which has already survived a presidential veto and multiple votes (in April and June). His/Her pattern of activity suggests involvement in critical parliamentary debates.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Criticism is aimed at the President of the Republic, who is escalating tensions by considering an appeal to the Supreme Court, despite the fact that this may not be the most sensible course of action. The government, and particularly the prime minister, are also facing criticism for their failures to act, given that issues concerning national security interests should have been agreed upon with the president in advance. Furthermore, the changes introduced by the Centre Party are criticized for their substantive ineffectiveness and the potential risk of a greater violation of religious freedom.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes the Riigikogu's good faith and cooperative spirit in responding to the presidential veto, amending the law precisely in those sections that the president indicated. He calls upon the members of parliament to act judiciously and support the draft bill, referencing the position held by the overwhelming majority of the parliament (68 members).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on national security and the international geopolitical context (Moscow, Russian aggression, the European Union). Local or regional issues are absent.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is religious freedom, which is being addressed within the context of national security. The speaker emphasizes that the bill's purpose is not to restrict religious freedom, but rather to prevent the exploitation of believers in the execution of an ideology of aggression.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the re-adoption of the act amending the Churches and Congregations Act, the purpose of which is to reduce the influence of the Moscow Patriarchate. The speaker is a strong supporter of the bill, emphasizing its comprehensive discussion, the controversy surrounding it, and the legal expertise involved, and notes the amendments made by parliament in response to the president's veto.
1 Speeches Analyzed