Agenda Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
Second Reading of the Draft Act on the Protection of Whistleblowers Reporting Work-Related Infringements of European Union Law (257 SE)
2024-05-08
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session.
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed both to the manner in which the bill is being processed (the unlawful bundling of amendments) and to its substance. Regarding the substance of the bill, it is emphasized that a law allowing anonymous denunciation destroys societal morale and is incompatible with Estonian political culture, especially considering the country's history. The focus remains on a value-based framework and procedural correctness, demanding adherence to the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) Rules of Procedure.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act, particularly regarding the procedures for bundling amendments, voting, and preventing obstruction, while also citing a Supreme Court decision. He/She has an overview of the history of the implementation of the European Union directive (since 2018) and the practice of representing Estonia in EU institutions. He/She is capable of distinguishing between substantively different and mutually exclusive amendments.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is sharp, critical, and procedurally rigorous, emphasizing the abnormality and illegality of the situation. Strong emotional appeals are employed (e.g., "the law destroying public morality") and reference is made to the historical sensitivity surrounding anonymous denunciation. The speaker repeatedly uses accusatory terms such as "violently and unlawfully" and "terribly misleading."
9 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker has been highly active during this session, repeatedly raising questions and procedural motions aimed at suspending the continuation of the bill’s proceedings. He/She references previous discussions on the same subject last week and this week, demonstrating consistent involvement in procedural disputes.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Legal Affairs Committee and its chairman, who are accused of the unlawful and aggressive bundling of amendments and of misleading the Riigikogu (Parliament). The criticism is intense and focuses on the violation of procedural rules and the necessity of protecting the rights of the opposition. Furthermore, the Riigikogu Board is also being criticized for its passivity in responding to the situation that has developed.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is acting on behalf of their faction (Isamaa), submitting their amendments and protests. They express agreement with the core viewpoints of representatives from other opposition parties (the Centre Party) concerning the interpretation of the draft bill. They show no readiness to compromise with the coalition, demanding instead that the bill's proceedings be terminated.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
None. The focus is on the national legislative process and issues concerning the implementation of the European Union directive, including Estonia's representation in EU institutions.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data
9 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker takes a strong, value-based position against the law on anonymous denunciation, arguing that it destroys social morality and is unsuitable given Estonia’s historical background. It is emphasized that Estonian society is not yet mature enough for the adoption of such legislation.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the suspension of proceedings for the Draft Act on the Protection of Whistleblowers Reporting Violations of European Union Law in the Workplace (257 SE) and the modification of its content. The speaker is a strong opponent of the draft, demanding the termination of the procedure due to a violation of the Rules of Procedure Act. He emphasizes that the three substantive amendments proposed by the Isamaa faction were illegally bundled together.
9 Speeches Analyzed