Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
Second Reading of the Draft Act (344 SE) on the Amendment of the Riigikogu Election Act and Related Amendment of Other Acts
2024-04-17
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance centers on enhancing the credibility of elections, emphasizing that this forms the foundation of a democratic social order. The speaker is strongly opposed to the manner in which the draft legislation was processed, particularly the unlawful bundling of amendments and the rushed legalization of voting via smart devices, citing security risks. He/She stresses the necessity of stable electoral laws and adherence to the principle of proportionality in the division of electoral districts.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The expertise is clearly demonstrated in the field of election laws and the procedural rules of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament), including knowledge of the Rules of Procedure Act and relevant precedents. He/She thoroughly cites the remarks of the Republic's Electoral Commission regarding the risks of voting using smart devices, covering technical details such as the compilation of the voter application, authentication, and compliance with the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation. Furthermore, he/she is familiar with the electoral principles of proportionality and uniformity.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is critical, insistent, and highly procedural, appealing directly to the principles of the rule of law while labeling the opposing party's actions as illegal and unprecedented. It employs logical arguments, citing expert opinions and a Supreme Court ruling, and dismisses the opposition's statements as "mere slogans." The speaker repeatedly requests that the board convene and halt the discussion to prevent the continuation of unlawful conduct.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The Member is exceptionally active during this sitting, repeatedly addressing questions to the Presidium and the Chair of the lead committee, and delivering two lengthy speeches (one on his own behalf and one on behalf of his parliamentary group). He repeatedly calls for votes on amendments and the adjournment of the second reading, demonstrating a pattern of intense procedural intervention. Furthermore, he proposes amending the Parliament's Rules of Procedure to allow a speaker to use the allotted speaking times for both the parliamentary group and himself consecutively.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition stance is directed against the Riigikogu Board and the leading committee, sharply criticizing the "violent" bundling of amendments as a violation of the fundamental rights of Riigikogu members. The governing coalition is also criticized for ignoring risks related to election security, emphasizing that this undermines trust in the elections. It denies that the current activity constitutes the long-term and extensive obstruction related to paralyzing parliamentary work, as defined by the Supreme Court.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is conditional: the Isamaa faction is not opposed to debating the bill, but rather wishes to improve the law. The prerequisite for cooperation is that the remarks made by experts from the Chancellor of Justice, the Electoral Commission, and the Electoral Service are taken into account. He asks the board to convene and assess the unprecedented situation that has arisen, seeking a solution through institutional debate.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely national and institutional, addressing amendments to the Riigikogu Electoral Act and their impact on democracy. A regional focus is absent, with the exception of an example concerning the disproportionality of electoral districts (5 mandates vs 16 mandates in the Harju district).
18 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
No data available
18 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
No data available
18 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the draft bill to amend the Riigikogu Election Act (344 SE), and the position is one of strong opposition to its current form and procedural handling. Key priorities include ensuring adherence to procedural rules (specifically, separate voting on proposed amendments) and preventing the legalization of voting via smart devices. A request has been made to suspend the second reading so that security measures required by experts can be introduced.
18 Speeches Analyzed