Session Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-02-14
Political Position
The political stance is strongly oppositional to the government’s tax policy, which they label a “tax war against its own people.” The main focus is on rejecting the car tax, citing its unfairness and its inappropriateness during an economic crisis. They also fundamentally oppose amendments to the Aliens Act that increase bureaucracy and massively attract labor from third countries. These positions are strongly value-based, emphasizing justice and regional equality.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the legislative procedure (Steering Committee, adjournment) and the legal aspects of taxation (retroactive taxation). Specific emphasis is placed on the unique nature of regional policy and transport needs in sparsely populated areas, providing detailed examples related to the requirements of rural life and agriculture (ATVs, combine harvesters). Furthermore, the speaker refers to security concerns regarding migration issues, drawing upon previous observations made by the Security Police.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative and critical, employing strong emotional language, such as "tax war" and "terribly unfair." The speaker balances these emotional appeals (highlighting the injustice faced by families with children and rural residents) with logical arguments (retroactive taxation and the absence of an impact analysis). The minister is portrayed as a routine responder—a "tankist"—who fails to provide adequate answers, and the necessity of resolving procedural issues (sound quality) is underscored.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active during the session, engaging in both substantive debates (the Car Tax, the Aliens Act) and procedural matters (sound issues, recording speaking time). They speak multiple times throughout a single session day, posing questions to the minister and presenting the faction's viewpoints. Furthermore, they initiate procedural solutions (such as calling a recess or convening the Council of Elders) to resolve technical issues.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the government led by the Reform Party, which is accused of imposing new taxes during the economic crisis and adopting an inadequate approach. The coalition partner Eesti 200 is particularly criticized for breaking its promise regarding the car tax. The criticism is intense and targets both the substance of the policy (injustice, lack of impact analysis) and the procedure (the minister’s position, the quality of responses). Compromise is ruled out, and proposals have been made to reject the draft bill during the first reading.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperative approach is focused on presenting the views of the faction (Isamaa) and establishing unified opposition to the government's policy. The appeal directed at the coalition partners (Eesti 200) was intended primarily to persuade them not to succumb to government pressure and to drop the tax, rather than to seek a compromise with the government. This points to the need to convene the Council of Elders to resolve procedural problems.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus, highlighting the negative impact of the car tax on sparsely populated areas and exacerbating regional inequality. It is pointed out that in rural areas, a car is an essential means of transportation, whereas in the city (Tallinn), it is possible to manage without one. The speaker invites the minister to visit their farm to demonstrate the condition of the rural roads and the necessity of owning a more powerful vehicle.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspective is strongly opposed to tax increases, especially in the context of an economic crisis and high inflation. New taxes are deemed an inadequate way to remedy the economy, and the government is accused of waging a tax war against its own people. The preference is for reducing the tax burden and eliminating existing expenditures (such as abolishing the tax hump) rather than implementing new taxes.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is directed at the impact of the car tax on families with children (who often need two older cars) and on people with disabilities, whose specific needs are not being taken into account. Regarding migration policy, emphasis is placed on security aspects, and there is opposition to the mass recruitment of labor from third countries. Furthermore, technical culture and those involved in motorsports (classic cars, racing vehicles) are being protected from additional taxation.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on rejecting government bills, specifically the Motor Vehicle Tax Act bill and the amendments to the Aliens Act (Bill 349). A proposal is being made to prevent the car tax from taking retroactive effect, insisting that it should only be imposed on vehicles registered after the law comes into force. Furthermore, the poor quality of the bills and the absence of proper impact assessments are being criticized.
6 Speeches Analyzed