Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
Inquiry concerning immigration (No. 588)
2024-02-05
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly values-driven and conservative, opposing the liberalization of immigration and viewing the current quota system as a crucial restriction. The speaker criticizes government ministers (Riisalods) for sending contradictory signals that cause anxiety in society, and demands a clear stance from the Prime Minister. They emphasize the necessity of a unified and cohesive society given the current security situation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates authority on the topics of migration policy, security, and economic strategy, referencing the yearbooks of the Security Police (KAPO) and migration balance figures. They employ specific terminology, discussing the openness of the labor market (one billion inhabitants) and integration capacity, while highlighting the necessity of developing a science-based economy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is analytical, formal, and insistent, relying heavily on logical arguments, facts, and historical context (e.g., the 30-year failure of integration). Strong judgments are used ("a completely wrong and unpromising direction") to emphasize the danger of liberalizing immigration for security and economic development.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in parliamentary sessions (Riigikogu), participating in inquiries and stressing the importance of open debate, prioritizing it over submitting written questions. They engage in the discussion, offering both recommendations to the Prime Minister and detailed arguments concerning policy contradictions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism targets internal government conflicts, particularly those involving the ministers Riisalod, who advocate for the immigration of cheap labor as a solution to demographic and workforce issues. This criticism is policy-driven, accusing the ministers of sending wrong signals and ignoring the development priorities crucial for the Estonian economy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker referred supportively to the arguments made by another Riigikogu member (Tõnis Lukas) concerning integration and the labor market, thereby demonstrating a willingness to find common ground on specific issues. The Prime Minister is being called upon to ensure the coordination of the internal government message and to establish a unified policy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is directed towards Ida-Virumaa, which is used as an example of the unsuccessful integration of previous immigrants into Estonian society over the course of more than 30 years. This example supports the argument concerning the limited integration capacity of the Estonian state.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic outlook is heavily geared towards abandoning the advantage of cheap labor in favor of science-based development, which is the cornerstone of building a welfare state. The speaker opposes changes to the quota policy, arguing that such changes would result in the mass influx of low-wage workers—a direction that is both incorrect and unsustainable for Estonia's competitiveness.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The societal focus is on immigration, which is addressed through the lenses of security, integration, and the position of the Estonian language within society. It is emphasized that the Estonian state is incapable of integrating the current level of immigration without facing serious social problems, a point underscored by KAPO’s warnings regarding security threats.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on amendments to the Aliens Act, supporting the prime minister’s stated objective of strengthening migration control. Furthermore, attention is drawn to making the necessary decisions for the transition to an Estonian-language education system and finalizing a financing plan, a process which took over 30 years.
3 Speeches Analyzed