Session Profile: Helir-Valdor Seeder
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
2025-06-11
Political Position
The speaker firmly opposes the perpetuation of tax increases and vigorously defends the opposition's right to submit amendments that contradict the bill's objective. He emphasizes the parliament's good faith in adhering to the constitution and deems necessary the adoption of legislation rooted in security considerations and the assurance of internal peace. The political position is conservative, warning against campaign-driven trends and experiments originating in Europe (e.g., the immigration craze, the green transition).
12 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in parliamentary procedural law, particularly in interpreting the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act regarding the eligibility of amendments for voting. They possess knowledge of constitutional law, the compliance of legislation with European law (European Court decisions), and issues concerning state sovereignty and security policy (visa denials, Kapo reports).
12 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is predominantly analytical and procedural, but occasionally becomes sharp and combative, especially when criticizing the commission's interpretations and the coalition's actions. It employs rhetorical questions and cautionary metaphors ("the theatrical performance of lowering kindergarten fees," "the society of evil conspirators"). The appeals are primarily directed toward the principles of the rule of law, strategic foresight, and long-term thinking.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active during the plenary sitting, repeatedly posing questions to the committee rapporteurs and the Speaker of the Riigikogu concerning both substantive and procedural matters. They actively participate in the voting process, repeatedly requesting votes on the amendments put forward by the Isamaa parliamentary group.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at the coalition (the Reform Party and the Social Democrats), who stand accused of hypocrisy (citing the Viljandi example) and obstructing the opposition’s work by interpreting the Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act in a manner that prevents voting on the opposition’s proposed amendments. He/She warns that this interpretation strips the opposition of the ability to alter the content or objective of the draft law.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker represents the views of the Isamaa faction and proposes terminating the proceedings. He advocates for a pragmatic approach to the president’s objections, aiming to avoid unnecessary disputes and costs by prioritizing the clearer drafting of the law’s provisions. This spirit of cooperation is confined mainly to avoiding rule-of-law disputes, rather than seeking compromises with the coalition.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is highlighted by the example of the city of Viljandi, where the actions of the coalition partners regarding kindergarten fees are being criticized. Attention is also directed towards Tartu concerning the allocation of gambling tax revenue for the construction of a basketball arena, with demands for the decision to be finalized. The overarching focus, however, remains on national laws and their impact on the local level.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is strongly opposed to tax hikes and is attempting to procedurally secure the opportunity to submit amendments that would either reduce taxes or keep them at the current level. He/She closely monitors the allocation of state funds (gambling tax) for specific projects, demanding clarity in the decision-making process.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker stresses the primacy of national security considerations, particularly concerning visa denials, which he argues should remain the state’s sovereign right and be immune to judicial review. He supports limiting the voting rights of third-country nationals in local elections and defends the interests of churches and congregations regarding the functioning of the clergy following the constitutional amendment.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priorities are focused on tax policy (opposition to tax increases), security (support for the bill guaranteeing security), and sovereignty (opposition to the judicial review of visa refusals). He/She is an active opponent of bills that increase bureaucracy or threaten security, and initiates a motion to terminate the second reading.
12 Speeches Analyzed