Session Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, press briefing
2024-03-06
Political Position
The political stance is strongly oppositional, accusing the government of breaking its pre-election promises and "lying." The primary focus areas are security issues (specifically, the voting rights of Russian and Belarusian citizens) and sharp criticism of the government's economic policy (tax increases and energy strategies). The speaker emphasizes that the government's decisions do not serve the interests of the taxpayer or the Estonian state.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the legal and constitutional framework surrounding the suspension of voting rights, citing the conclusions of the Ministry of Justice and experts regarding its infeasibility without amending the constitution. Furthermore, he/she is familiar with the past and current positions of the coalition partners (the Social Democrats) and their conditions for amending the constitution.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply accusatory and combative, emphasizing the government's dishonesty and breach of promises ("they lied"). The speaker employs strong moral appeals and demands honesty, criticizing the coalition negotiations as cynical "quid pro quo" trading ("sausage for a sausage") on a security issue.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker pointed to active preparatory work and the monitoring of political developments, mentioning that they had done their "homework" and questioned their coalition partner (Läänemets) during the previous work week. This indicates consistent political activity and a willingness to address issues in depth.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponent is the government coalition, which stands accused of lying and adopting decisions that run counter to the interests of the Estonian state. The criticism is intense, focusing both on the failed tax policy and the political horse-trading of security issues. The speaker criticizes the government for deliberate stalling and for writing unfeasible declarations into the coalition agreement.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is critical and uncompromising toward the government's activities, particularly concerning the methods used in coalition negotiations. The speaker demands clear, honest, and definitive solutions to security matters, citing the necessity of following the example set by other European Union member states where the corresponding right is simply absent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely at the national level, addressing tax policy, energy, and Estonian security as a whole. There are no references to specific local or regional projects.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic stances are fiercely opposed to tax hikes, criticizing the government for constantly inventing new taxes and raising existing ones. The energy policy is also criticized for pursuing "incomprehensible economic interests" instead of serving those of the taxpayer.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the suspension of voting rights for Russian and Belarusian citizens in local elections, which is being treated directly as a critical security matter. The speaker supports ending this right to ensure Estonia's security.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on establishing the legal framework for suspending the voting rights of Russian and Belarusian citizens, including the readiness to amend the constitution. The speaker is a strong proponent of this amendment, criticizing the government for deliberate delay by incorporating an unworkable declaration into the coalition agreement.
2 Speeches Analyzed