Session Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
The 15th Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-15
Political Position
The speaker moderately supports cosmetic changes to the deadlines for submitting presidential candidates, but takes a strong principled position regarding the restoration of the proportional composition of the Electoral College. He emphasizes the need to restore the original intent of the constitutional drafters, which would favor local governments with smaller populations. In one speech, the necessity of the institution of the presidency itself is also raised, referencing the ideas put forth by Siim Kallas. The political framework is strongly focused on the principles of constitutionality and statesmanship.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates thorough expertise regarding electoral laws and constitutional amendment procedures, citing the original intent of the constitution's drafters and the recommendations of the Supreme Court. He addresses detailed aspects such as the composition of the Electoral College, the impact of administrative reforms, and the formal requirements for candidate presentation. Technical terms such as "dark horse" are used, and references are made to the discussions of the Constitutional Committee.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is analytical and formal, focusing on the substance of the law and its procedures, noting that the bill under discussion is not revolutionary. He employs logical arguments, stressing the necessity of statesmanship and political will to implement meaningful changes. The tone is serious and pertinent, urging colleagues to incorporate substantive amendments into the draft legislation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Criticism is directed at the limited scope of the current draft bill, as it fails to address fundamental issues such as distortions in the composition of the Electoral College and the potential threat of a dark horse candidate. Administrative reforms are also indirectly criticized for having distorted the original proportionality of the Electoral College.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker points to the Isamaa faction’s support for minor amendments (a 9–12 day deadline) and urges cross-party political consensus. He/She stresses that the only solution for altering the composition of the Electoral College must be a political agreement spanning various parties, which demands statesmanship.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is directed towards the representation of local governments in the Electoral College, emphasizing the necessity of restoring a proportion that would favor municipalities with smaller populations. He/She acknowledges the political sensitivity involved in finding a balance between Tallinn, as a large municipality, and the smaller local governments.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker highlights a fundamental change concerning social and security policy, which barred citizens of Russia, Belarus, and other third countries from participating in local elections. This modification is viewed as a significant and substantive measure that indirectly limits their involvement in the presidential election process.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is on amending the Law on the Election of the President of the Republic, with the priority being the restoration of the proportional composition of the Electoral College. The speaker supports establishing the obligation for candidates to make public appearances and is leading the charge for substantive changes, noting that time is running short to avoid amending the election law less than a year before the elections.
2 Speeches Analyzed