Session Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session.
2024-11-13
Political Position
The speaker's stance is strongly oppositional, focusing on sharp criticism of the government's budget policy and the procedural rules of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament). He highlights the three-year contraction of the economy and deems the budget procedure an "absurd theatre" and a "brutal violation of the Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act." The political framework is highly procedural and demands strict fiscal discipline, representing the positions of the Isamaa faction.
23 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a profound understanding of state budget preparation procedures, particularly concerning the fundamental law, the Rules of Procedure Act, and the regulations governing the submission of amendments. They are an expert in the critique of activity-based budgeting (ABB), explaining its effect on inter-ministerial management and the increased authority of the Ministry of Finance. They also provide detailed analysis regarding the Land Tax Act and the principles of legal certainty.
23 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is resolute, critical, and at times highly confrontational, employing strong language such as "violent and malicious interpretation" and referencing legal violations that occur "as a chain reaction." The speaker primarily appeals to logic and legality, repeatedly demanding a vote and protesting against unfair proceedings. While longer speeches are structured and analytical, the overall tone remains one of concern and protest.
23 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker has been extremely active during the session, repeatedly raising procedural questions to the presiding officer and requesting votes on numerous amendments proposed by Isamaa. He/She also delivered a lengthy faction speech during the second reading of the state budget, focusing on criticizing procedural flaws and the substance of the budget itself. This pattern of behavior indicates an attempt to obstruct the proceedings and ensure the opposition's voice is heard.
23 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary targets of criticism are the government coalition, the Finance Committee, and the National Defence Committee, who stand accused of illegally dismissing Isamaa's amendments and violating the Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act. Criticism is also aimed at the ministers (Jürgen Ligi, Piret Hartman) and the chairman of the Finance Committee (Annely), citing their incompetence and the declining quality of budget preparation. The speaker protests resolutely and deems compromise impossible under the current procedural circumstances.
23 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker works in close cooperation with their faction (Isamaa), submitting amendments and delivering the faction speech on their behalf. They also support the voting on proposals made by other opposition members (e.g., Andres Metsoja). Cooperation with the governing coalition is poor, as the speaker views their actions as malicious violence and lawbreaking.
23 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is mainly on national budgetary policy and central government spending. The regional dimension becomes apparent when addressing the financing of local authorities and the issue of land tax, noting that the increase in land tax will result in a revenue deficit for local governments. The question of subsidizing public transport is also raised, although specific regions are not mentioned.
23 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker supports fiscal discipline, demanding a reduction in central government expenditure by 200 million euros so that the saved funds can be directed to the state reserve. He is strongly opposed to tax increases, especially the increase in land tax, which, in his view, violates legal certainty and harms entrepreneurs and homeowners. He criticizes the government's policy, which has led to an economic crisis lasting three years, and considers the activity-based budget to be substandard.
23 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are not the primary focus of the speeches, but the speaker highlights the violation of the principle of legal certainty in the context of land tax. They draw a comparison by referencing the opposition of coalition members to stripping stateless persons of their voting rights. The submitted materials do not contain specific stances on education, healthcare, or social policy.
23 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the draft state budget for 2025 and the associated legislative amendments. The speaker is an active initiator of amendments (Isamaa has 8 proposals) and is demanding that they be put to a vote. He/She is also a procedural opponent, demanding the suspension of the budget's second reading to allow for the submission of new, reasonable proposals.
23 Speeches Analyzed