Session Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder

15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting

2025-04-08

Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government's car tax and unsatisfactory public transport policy, emphasizing that this taxation constitutes a punishment. Furthermore, the importance of adhering to the Riigikogu's rules of procedure and good practice has been highlighted, criticizing the processing of the draft bill in the absence of its initiator. The viewpoint is primarily based on values (freedom, justice) and results (the inefficiency of public transport).

3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in transport policy and the challenges facing public transport in sparsely populated areas, citing specific examples such as the Saaremaa demand-responsive transport experiment and the inadequate implementation of the mobility reform. Furthermore, they possess deep knowledge of the operational procedures of Riigikogu committees and established parliamentary custom. They address the presenter as an expert informed on financial matters, seeking validation for their positions.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is direct, critical, and at times accusatory, employing strong judgments (e.g., "they punish people with the car tax," "unreasonably"). The speaker poses questions that already contain a critical stance and emphasizes adherence to sound parliamentary practice and proper work organization. The tone is formal yet demanding, focusing on logical arguments and procedural correctness.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is an active questioner during the plenary session, submitting multiple questions on the same day concerning both policy issues (transport and taxation) and the procedural culture of the Riigikogu. This pattern of activity indicates active participation in the debate of draft legislation and the highlighting of procedural errors.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the government's tax policy and inefficient public transport, which is widely viewed as punishing the populace. Strong criticism is also leveled against the Riigikogu Board and its committees for violating established parliamentary good practice when processing draft legislation in the absence of the bill's initiator. The criticism is both policy-based and procedural.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speeches focus on criticism and demands for adherence to parliamentary procedure, as well as opposition to the government's policies. There is no evidence of a willingness to cooperate or of seeking compromises with other factions.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is directed at sparsely populated areas and their transportation issues, particularly where the state has failed to develop a satisfactory public transport network. Specifically, the situation surrounding the Saaremaa demand-responsive transport experiment is highlighted.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views lean toward lower taxation and personal responsibility, opposing the car tax and the inefficient state maintenance of public transportation. The preference is to leave money in the hands of the people so they can organize their own transport and pay excise duties, which suggests a market-based approach.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is not enough data.

3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is aimed at opposing the government-initiated car tax bill and improving the procedural culture of the Riigikogu. In particular, it is stressed that bills must not be processed without the presence of the initiator, and the Presidium is called upon to monitor this.

3 Speeches Analyzed