Session Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing
2024-02-14
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to the government's migration policy, which is viewed as confusing and contradictory, particularly concerning the facilitation of labor coming from third countries. It is emphasized that the government has failed to establish a unified position regarding quotas and immigration, leading to criticism of the differing signals sent by ministers. This position is aimed at criticizing the ineffectiveness of the policy and the government's internal divergence.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding migration policy and amendments to the Aliens Act, citing the objectives of the explanatory memorandum and existing salary criteria (1.5 times the average wage). He/She also refers to previous government discussions and criticism concerning immigration raised by security authorities (Kaitsepolitsei).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and questioning, repeatedly expressing confusion regarding the government's policy ("I do not understand"). Logical argumentation is employed, citing contradictory statements made by ministers and the text of the draft legislation to highlight the government's inconsistent position. The tone is formal, yet it also contains an emotional appeal (the hope that the government is not engaging in deception).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active participant in the Riigikogu (Parliament) information hours, often referencing previous questions posed to the Prime Minister. He/She is involved in the ongoing parliamentary discussion of the Foreigners Act, serving either as its introducer or as the spokesperson for the topic.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opposition is directed at the governing coalition, particularly the Social Democrats, who are being criticized for their desire to liberalize migration policy. The criticism is both policy- and procedure-based, focusing on the contradictory statements made by ministers and the government's lack of a unified position.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker referred to previous coalition experience with the Social Democrats, noting that the liberalization of migration policy was scrapped at the time due to opposition from Isamaa. The current approach is confrontational, demanding clarity and a unified policy from the government partners.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is on Ida-Virumaa, where integration problems have emerged due to the large number of immigrants and refugees who have moved there. This highlights the social impact of immigration on the local environment.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives express caution regarding the use of immigration as a solution to the labor problem, stressing that high-earning and skilled workers already face few restrictions. Concern is voiced over the social expenditures and unsustainability associated with large-scale immigration, especially during crises.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is immigration and the associated integration problems, which are already considered a complex field in Estonia. Emphasis is placed on the need for controlled migration, and reference is made to security threats that have been highlighted in the yearbooks published by the Estonian Internal Security Service (Kaitsepolitsei).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the draft act amending the Aliens Act, the purpose of which (attracting highly qualified workers from third countries) the speaker criticizes. He/She is skeptical about this draft and is seeking clarification regarding the government's policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed