Session Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
XV Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-11-11
Political Position
The political focus is strongly directed towards national security, urgently demanding the closure of the temporary control line with the Russian Federation to mitigate risks and enhance sanctions oversight. Furthermore, the necessity of thoroughly analyzing the impact of judicial reform on the independence of judges and the accessibility of services is highlighted. This position is value-based and exerts pressure regarding the government's inaction on security matters. Political initiative must be demonstrated by the parliament, given the government's passivity.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in security and border issues, citing the practices of neighboring countries (Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland) and specific threats (drones, balloons, Zapad 2025). They are knowledgeable about the legislative process and comment on the structural aspects of the judicial reform. Furthermore, they possess knowledge regarding the specific nuances of international law (e.g., the Kaliningrad precedent) concerning the blocking of borders.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is serious and pressing, emphasizing the complexity of security threats and the government's inaction. It employs both logical arguments (risk mitigation, freeing up resources) and emotional appeals to statesmanship and patriotism. The speaker frequently uses rhetorical questions to cast doubt on the opponents' motives and the public's trust in the government.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active proponent of legislative work, presenting the Isamaa faction's draft bill to the Riigikogu plenary session (substituting for Urmas Reinsalu). He/She actively participates in the questions-and-answers round, referencing previous discussions held both in the chamber and in committees (e.g., the Constitutional Committee). He/She emphasizes that this topic is being debated in the Riigikogu for the second or subsequent time.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is aimed at the Government of the Republic and coalition members of parliament, who are accused of lacking political initiative regarding the closure of the control line. The earlier decision to vote down the draft bill is being criticized, and questions are being raised as to why a comprehensive report from security institutions is not available to Riigikogu members. The criticism is focused on policy and procedure, thereby calling the government's competence into question.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is seeking cross-parliamentary support, appealing to the bill’s "pro-Estonian, patriotic, and agreeable" nature, and calling on opposition partners (EKRE, Reform Party) to demonstrate statesmanship. He notes that the draft legislation has not been coordinated with Eesti 200 or other factions, but everyone has had the opportunity to review it in the committee.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is centered on national security and international cooperation with neighboring countries. Specific local areas mentioned include the Narva border crossing, Southeast Estonia, and the Seto region, with the acknowledgement that closing the border will cause inconvenience for the residents there. The situation concerning the Saatse Boot is also referenced as an analogous example of ensuring security.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic considerations are subordinate to security concerns; it is acknowledged that the closure of the control line will lead to negative economic consequences and inconvenience for residents in border areas. The view is that reducing risks, boosting security, and contributing to the enforcement of sanctions definitively outweighs these temporary economic problems.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues addressed is the impact of border crossings on the number of international protection applicants, which is projected to decrease. The loyalty of residents in border areas (Narva region) is also discussed, noting that no significant positive changes have occurred regarding the loyalty issue. It is emphasized that closing the border protects the people of Estonia from risks.
14 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the bill initiated by the Isamaa parliamentary group, which proposes that the Government of the Republic close the temporary control line between Estonia and the Russian Federation. The second focus is the issue of consolidating courts within the framework of the judicial reform. The speaker is the initiator and the one pressuring the government, emphasizing the necessity of political input from the parliament.
14 Speeches Analyzed