Session Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
2024-06-05
Political Position
The speaker adopts a strong opposition stance, focusing on criticizing the government’s tax policy (car tax, increase in state fees) and procedural injustice. The arguments are heavily rooted in values and outcomes, accusing the government of hypocrisy, deceit, and eroding public trust. They demand the suspension of the processing of the draft legislation, citing the violation of the principles of legal certainty and democracy.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough knowledge of the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act, particularly concerning the procedures for linking, withdrawing, and voting on amendments, while also referencing Supreme Court rulings. Furthermore, they exhibit detailed understanding regarding the cost-basis of tax policy and state fees (such as ID card fees), questioning the reliability of the calculations that were presented.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is predominantly confrontational and critical, employing strong, emotionally charged words such as "hypocritical," "deceitful," "outrageous," and "incivility." He/She balances these emotional appeals (ignoring 80,000 signatures, penalizing rural regions) with detailed legal and procedural argumentation.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active during the sittings, repeatedly raising procedural questions to the rapporteur of the draft legislation and the Speaker of the Riigikogu. He participates extensively in the debates, demanding clarification regarding the handling and withdrawal of amendments, and repeatedly submits motions to adjourn the reading of the bills.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the governing coalition (especially Eesti 200) for breaking promises (e.g., taxing pensions, pledges regarding the car tax). The criticism is intense and covers both political substance (the detrimental nature of the taxes) and procedural violations (breach of the Rules of Procedure/House Rules, unequal treatment). Instead of a compromise, the demand is for the rejection of the draft legislation or the termination of the proceedings.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes cooperation with the opposition and various interest groups (such as the support group for large families), but criticizes the government commission for its lack of transparency and refusal to consider substantive amendments. Acting on behalf of the Isamaa faction, the speaker proposes discontinuing the bill's proceedings.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker focuses heavily on the negative impact of the car tax on people living in sparsely populated rural areas. He emphasizes that in these regions, a car is an absolute necessity for getting by (to get to work, the doctor, or school), and taxing it amounts to an unreasonable punishment.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker objects to the imposition of new taxes and the massive increase in state levies, particularly amid an economic crisis and high inflation. He criticizes the government for its panicked focus on meeting budget targets and argues that the proposed car tax is retroactive, thereby violating the principle of legal certainty. He favors solutions where individuals bear their own transport costs, rather than the state taxing them.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker emphasizes the importance of family policy and criticizes the government for cutting family benefits and increasing the state fee for registering a marriage. They consider the hike in the marriage fee to be a value-based issue, which signals the state's negative attitude toward families and generates insecurity within society.
18 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is on opposing the government-initiated motor vehicle tax bill and the bill amending the State Fees Act. The speaker is a strong opponent, concentrating on procedural violations (specifically, the bundling of amendments) and has repeatedly proposed suspending the second reading of the bills.
18 Speeches Analyzed