Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
First reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Abandon the Imposition of the Car Tax and Withdraw the Motor Vehicle Tax Bill from the Riigikogu Proceedings" (374 OE)
2024-04-02
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional, focusing on criticizing the coalition's procedural tactics and use of force, which is characterized as "your victory and our right." Substantively, they oppose the introduction of new taxes and tax increases while simultaneously supporting the provision of benefits and questioning the government's ideological consistency. The focus is primarily on a procedural and value-based framework (right versus might).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the working procedures, constitutional requirements, and voting thresholds of the Riigikogu, emphasizing that certain bills do not require 51 votes. He/She also possesses knowledge of economic policy, referring to specific measures such as indirect taxes, consumption taxes, and the abolition of the tax hump, while criticizing their ideological inconsistency.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is combative, critical, and direct, employing sharp phrases such as "hopeless undertaking" and "a very ugly affair." The emphasis lies on logical and legal appeals (with references to the constitution and rules of procedure), but this is bolstered by an emotional accusation regarding the coalition's unilateral use of force. The speaker poses questions that demand the opponents describe alternative options.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active during Riigikogu sessions, participating in debates concerning the adoption of the agenda and the introduction of draft legislation, and referencing the previous day's events and the assignments given by the presiding officer. This pattern of activity demonstrates a willingness to argue procedural matters at length, even when the outcome is predetermined.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponent is the ruling coalition, particularly the Social Democrats, with Läänemets and Ossinovski being named specifically. The criticism targets both procedural unfairness (the forceful imposition of measures) and political inconsistency (the implementation of a tax policy that runs counter to the Sots' ideology). Compromise is ruled out, as the situation is characterized as the inevitable triumph of the majority over the rights of the minority.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation with the coalition is ruled out because the speaker views the situation as a decision unilaterally imposed by force, which makes any discussion "a hopeless undertaking." Reference is made to strong unity within the opposition, who are convinced they are in the right. The coalition is being asked to outline alternatives, rather than seeking a compromise.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views strongly oppose tax hikes, particularly regarding indirect and consumption taxes, and reject the introduction of new taxes (such as the car tax). They support the provision of benefits, while simultaneously stressing the necessity of cost savings and criticizing the government for lacking identified funding sources. They prefer abolishing the tax hump (the progressive income tax curve), which runs contrary to the ideology of the Social Democrats.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed toward opposing the implementation of the car tax and ensuring the withdrawal of the corresponding bill (374 OE). Significant emphasis is also placed on the correct application of the Riigikogu’s procedural norms and constitutional voting thresholds, given our support for the opposition bill.
2 Speeches Analyzed