Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
The voting rights of Russian citizens
2024-02-21
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing
Political Position
The political stance is heavily focused on ensuring national security, stressing that the right of Russian and Belarusian citizens to vote in local elections poses a "significantly greater security threat." He urgently demands the revocation of this right, criticizing the coalition for its political opportunism and its unwillingness to change the situation. Furthermore, he supports the transition to Estonian-language education.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in constitutional law and constitutional matters, asserting that suspending the right to vote without amending the constitution is impossible. He also draws on international comparisons (Latvia, Lithuania, Germany, France) concerning the lack of voting rights for third-country nationals. Furthermore, he is well-versed in the specifics of the coalition agreement and the substance of previous government negotiations.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical and accusatory, emphasizing the urgency of the situation ("a war is ongoing!"). Emotionally charged terms are used ("absurd," "horse-trading," "political gamesmanship") and challenges are presented to the minister, questioning the coalition's sincerity and suspecting deliberate delay.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
These patterns of activity indicate active participation in Riigikogu sittings, characterized by posing pointed questions to the minister and criticizing the government for its inaction. The speaker stresses the waste of time and the urgent need for solutions, noting that two years of war have passed with absolutely nothing having been accomplished.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponents are the Social Democrats and the ruling coalition, who face fierce criticism regarding security issues for engaging in political point-scoring and demonstrating a lack of resolve. The criticism is intense, accusing the opposing side of having squandered crucial time and treating vital security matters as mere quid pro quo bargaining.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style is hostile toward the current coalition because security matters were treated as mere "horse-trading" during the coalition talks. The emphasis is that security ought to be an issue that transcends not just the coalition, but the entire Riigikogu (Parliament), signaling a desire for broad-based consensus, though not for the solutions proposed by the current government.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national security and local governments (Tallinn, Tartu, Narva) in connection with the question of suffrage. The international context is also examined, referencing the war and the practices of other European countries (Latvia, Lithuania, Germany, France) regarding the voting rights of third-country nationals.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Concerning social issues, there is a strong emphasis on the necessity of revoking the voting rights of Russian and Belarusian citizens on security grounds, given that they elect governments which have declared war on the West. Furthermore, the transition to Estonian-language education is supported.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on revoking the voting rights of Russian and Belarusian citizens, stressing that a constitutional amendment is necessary for this. It criticizes the coalition's attempt to develop a legal framework for suspending voting rights without amending the Constitution, deeming it a foolish and unworkable solution.
2 Speeches Analyzed