Session Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing
2024-04-03
Political Position
The political stance is heavily focused on security, stressing the necessity of revoking the voting rights of third-country nationals in local elections, viewing this as a matter of Estonian national security. Simultaneously, it sharply criticizes the government for implementing tax hikes, arguing that tax collection is being prioritized over security. This position is strongly opposed to the government's current activities and is results-driven, highlighting the administration's perceived lack of action.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the details of security topics and tax policy, citing specific tax packages (car, sugar, and excise taxes) and their implementation dates. They draw upon reports from security agencies and are knowledgeable about constitutional disputes and precedents (such as the challenging of the pension reform before the Supreme Court).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, accusatory, and urgent, emphasizing the waste of time and the neglect of security in a situation where "war is underway." Rhetorical questions are repeatedly employed ("Why are you playing?") and the government's inaction on security matters is contrasted with the forcefulness used to impose taxes.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of behavior focuses on criticizing the government's inaction during the parliamentary Q&A session, citing a full year of indecision regarding the security issue. The speaker refers to previous negotiations and the submission of relevant bills to the Riigikogu.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponents are the Reform Party and the government coalition, who are accused of neglecting security and voting down the Isamaa bill. The criticism is both political and procedural. The Minister of the Interior is criticized personally, being labeled an additional security threat due to his/her arbitrary interpretation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker adopts an oppositional stance toward the government but requests the initiation of a procedure to find a resolution, either via a statutory or constitutional amendment. Note is taken of the internal coalition resistance (Social Democrats) to the removal of voting rights, which is preventing the government from implementing its own coalition agreement.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national security and legislation, but the topic is directly linked to local government elections. Tallinn city negotiations and efforts to influence the composition of the Tallinn City Council are mentioned, demonstrating the connection between national security and local politics.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
His/Her economic views are strongly opposed to tax hikes, criticizing the government's aggressive push to implement several tax packages (including car, sugar, and excise taxes) in a short timeframe. He/She accuses the government of prioritizing the implementation of taxes over security concerns.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is the voting right of third-country nationals in local elections, which is treated exclusively as a critical security threat. The prevailing stance is the swift and forceful revocation of this right.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the processing of the draft bill submitted to the Riigikogu by the Isamaa party, which concerns revoking the voting rights of third-country nationals. The speaker criticizes the Reform Party and the coalition for voting this bill down and failing to initiate the procedure, demanding that the process of amending either the law or the constitution be started.
2 Speeches Analyzed