Session Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fourth Session, Plenary Session
2024-11-18
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to the government's tax policy and its legislative culture. It is stressed that the government engages in poor legislative practices, disregarding the principles of good governance and acting without a mandate from the electorate, particularly regarding the sharp increase in land tax. The position is mainly procedural and outcome-based, focusing on restoring trust between the state and its citizens.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in tax policy and legislative processes, highlighting the history of the land tax reform since 2001 and its connection to market-based valuation. Technical terms are employed, such as "principles of good law-making," "market-based land tax," and reference is made to the fundamental nature of constitutional amendments.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical, accusatory, and insistent, employing powerful metaphors such as "tax carnival" and analogies involving a farmer sowing at the wrong time. The speaker maintains a formal demeanor but presents logical arguments, focusing on procedural and ethical violations, and demands that the Prime Minister acknowledge these errors.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The patterns of activity demonstrate active participation in Riigikogu plenary sessions, submitting interpellations to the Prime Minister regarding tax policy and legislation. Reference is also made to a previous interpellation concerning the non-inclusion of entrepreneurs, which indicates a consistent focus on issues of inclusion and stability.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the governing coalition, the Reform Party, and the Prime Minister, all of whom are being sharply criticized for the way they implement policy. Criticism is directed at both procedural violations (such as the uncoordinated land tax increase) and unethical behavior (like concealing plans before the elections). The government's actions are being labeled irresponsible and hypocritical.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker values broad-based compromise and consensus, highlighting the previous land tax reform—which involved the opposition, the coalition, and stakeholders—as a positive example. The current government is being criticized for destroying this consensus and acting unilaterally.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level, particularly the broader impact of tax policy on Estonian taxpayers, businesses, and homeowners. The Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture is mentioned in relation to efforts to increase the revenue base of local municipalities, but there is no specific regional emphasis.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic outlook is strongly opposed to tax hikes, stressing the necessity of legal certainty and stability for entrepreneurs and landowners when drafting their business plans. The government's policy is criticized as "the largest tax increase plan in history," which undermines confidence and the business environment. The speaker clearly supports the interests of business organizations and landowners.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues highlighted is a constitutional amendment concerning the voting rights of Russian citizens and stateless persons in local elections. The speaker notes that this fundamental issue has been ongoing for a long time, but its handling has been slow and substandard.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is aimed at criticizing the quality of the current government's legislative output, particularly concerning the amendment to the Land Tax Act, which reversed a long-standing compromise. It is also emphasized that the state has failed to properly implement existing legislation regarding the regular valuation of land since 2001.
5 Speeches Analyzed