Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
Coalition Agreement
2024-03-06
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, press briefing
Political Position
The political stance is strongly oppositional, criticizing the government for breaking pre-election promises and pursuing dishonest policies ("they lied"). The most pressing issues are tax increases, an incomprehensible energy policy, and the question of voting rights for Russian/Belarusian citizens, which is being treated as a critical security concern. The criticism is primarily results-oriented and values-based, stressing that the government's decisions do not serve the interests of the taxpayer or the Estonian state as a whole.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates competence in constitutional law and the legal framework, referencing the conclusions drawn by the Ministry of Justice and experts regarding the legal impossibility of suspending voting rights without amending the constitution. Furthermore, the speaker is aware of the internal coalition negotiations and the positions of the partners (Social Democrats), knowing their "red line" and conditions. The general direction of tax policy and energy policy is also addressed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, accusatory, and insistent, directly accusing the government of lying and wasting time. Logical arguments are used (legal impossibility), and honesty and clear solutions are demanded, especially concerning security issues. The ironic expression "vorst vorsti vastu" is used to describe intra-coalition negotiations.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively submits parliamentary questions, citing the queries directed to coalition partners during the previous working week, and stressing their thorough preparation ("having done their homework"). This indicates a systematic approach to monitoring government actions and holding them accountable. This pattern typically involves pointing out divergences between the coalition agreement and actual policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the ruling coalition (the Reform Party, Eesti 200, and the Social Democrats) and the prime minister, who is accused of unethical conduct and making decisions detrimental to national interests. The criticism is intense, focusing on policy (tax hikes) and ethical shortcomings (breaking promises). The Social Democrats are separately criticized for bargaining over the security issue and setting conditions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is open to working with the opposition on amending the constitution, acknowledging that this is necessary for the sake of Estonia's security. However, there is sharp criticism directed at the coalition partners' internal bargaining and condition-setting regarding the security issue (a clear case of "quid pro quo"). The coalition agreement is viewed as a restrictive and stifling set of conditions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is absent; attention is directed entirely towards national policies (tax policy, energy policy) and constitutional issues concerning local elections in the context of national security.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views are strongly opposed to tax hikes, criticizing the government's policy for introducing new taxes. Emphasis is placed on protecting the interests of the taxpayer, and they resist energy policies that pursue "incomprehensible economic interests," rather than those of the taxpayer.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is the suspension of voting rights for Russian and Belarusian citizens in local elections, which is being treated directly as a security concern. A clear solution is supported—one where this right simply does not exist—with proponents citing other European Union member states as an example.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed towards amending the constitution to resolve the issue of voting rights for Russian and Belarusian citizens, as the framework agreed upon in the coalition agreement is legally unworkable. The speaker is the initiator in finding clear and lasting solutions, contrasting with the restrictive terms of the coalition agreement.
2 Speeches Analyzed