Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
Voting rights of Russian citizens
2024-01-24
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing
Political Position
The political focus is on restricting the voting rights of Russian and Belarusian citizens, which is being intensely discussed as a "very serious security concern." The speaker sharply criticizes the government's inaction and delays in addressing this matter, demanding the immediate launch of the process. This stance is strongly rooted in political and security values.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of legislative procedures, emphasizing the necessity of taking legally complex issues to the Supreme Court for a final ruling, citing the proceedings regarding the Land Tax Act as an example. Reference is also made to international practice concerning reciprocal voting rights agreements, offering this as a good and straightforward solution.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical, demanding, and accusatory, expressing dissatisfaction and doubt concerning the government’s true intentions. Direct accusations are employed, such as ("you are playing games and stalling"), and logical consistency in the legislative processes is emphasized. The tone is rather emotionally charged and urgent.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party, the Minister of Justice, and the government as a whole, who are accused of deliberate stalling and hiding behind legal arguments. The criticism is intense and focuses on the government's inability to resolve the security issue and bring the draft bill to parliament.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is ready to support the opposition party Isamaa's proposal to regulate the voting rights of third-country citizens through reciprocal treaties, calling it a very good solution. Internal disagreements within the coalition (Eesti 200 and the Social Democrats regarding the land tax law) are highlighted as an example of the government's inaction.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on Estonian security and constitutional issues at the national level, specifically those concerning foreign nationals residing in Estonia. There is no regional or local focus.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social issue under consideration is the voting rights of Russian and Belarusian citizens, which is being examined primarily through the lens of national security and the protection of reciprocal rights. A solution that links suffrage to mutual agreements is preferred.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is bringing the issue of voting rights for Russian and Belarusian citizens into proceedings in the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) to obtain a final ruling from the Supreme Court. Support is given to the Isamaa party's proposal, which stipulates granting voting rights only if corresponding treaties are in place.
1 Speeches Analyzed