Session Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
2024-12-11
Political Position
The political position is one of strong opposition to the government's fiscal policy, particularly the tax hikes that have been raised to record levels without the budget having any clear objective. The speaker vigorously defends the rights of the opposition and criticizes the handling of the draft bill as unjust, citing violations of the Rules of Procedure Act. The criticism is primarily aimed at the government's actions and performance (its performance-driven approach).
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the procedural rules of the Riigikogu, criticizing the delegation of authority by the committee chairman and the grouping/striking out of amendments. Furthermore, they possess detailed knowledge of the specifics of the state budget, inquiring about specific line items and amounts concerning public transport subsidies. They refer to transcripts and explanatory notes, emphasizing the necessity of formal correctness.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, critical, and procedurally demanding, conveying the sense that the opposition is "suppressed." Strong emotional language is employed (e.g., "utterly cynical," "forcibly linked"), and there is an emphasis on logical and legal correctness. The style is formal yet direct, focusing on procedural facts rather than storytelling.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active during the session, repeatedly raising points of order and demanding clarifications from the session chair and the rapporteur. He refers to his long-standing experience in parliamentary work, having served both on the board and as an ordinary member. This pattern of activity culminates in a demand for a ten-minute recess to discuss the protection of the opposition's rights.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed at the government and the leadership of the Finance Committee, who are being criticized for ignoring the opposition and for improper procedure. The criticism is intense, focusing both on policy (tax hikes) and procedural violations, with accusations that the leadership is suppressing the rights of the opposition. Rather than discussing compromise, strict adherence to the rules is being demanded.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation is evident within the faction, referencing the materials provided by colleague Urmas Reinsalu and the amendments proposed by Isamaa. In communication with the coalition, the tone is demanding, rather than compromise-oriented, focusing on rectifying procedural errors. The speaker attempted to find a resolution with the Chairman of the Finance Committee but concluded that the situation was intractable.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national issues, primarily the state budget and supporting public transportation, which is a nationwide topic. There is no specific regional or local focus.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are strongly opposed to tax hikes, pointing out that taxes are already at a record high, while the budget lacks any clear direction and money is simply vanishing. They stress the necessity of fiscal clarity and defined priorities, criticizing the lack of transparency in government expenditures.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
No data available.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently directed toward the state budget bill and its proceedings, with the group/entity acting as a strong opponent of the bill. The primary priority is safeguarding the right of Riigikogu members to submit amendments, even when those amendments do not align with the objectives of the bill's initiator. Furthermore, formal procedural correctness is being demanded, criticizing the forced bundling and subsequent elimination of proposed amendments.
6 Speeches Analyzed