Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
The Minister of Defence's 2025 presentation on the implementation of the state's long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035"
2025-09-09
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session.
Political Position
The political stance is fiercely oppositional, centered on the alleged waste and inefficiency surrounding the Ministry of Defence budget (5 billion euros). The speaker vehemently opposes the plan to introduce mandatory military service for women, simultaneously questioning whether the nation's will to defend itself has truly increased. The overall approach is strongly performance-driven and highly critical of the government's activities.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the specifics of the national defense budget, citing concrete figures (5 billion euros allocated for acquisitions between 2022 and 2029) and referencing the National Audit Office report. Furthermore, the speaker is knowledgeable about the decreasing number of young men entering mandatory military service and the issue of mobilization. They use direct quotes from the transcript to verify facts and rebut the minister's assertions.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative, accusatory, and at times extremely emotional, especially when touching upon the topic of mandatory service for women. Sharp and negative imagery is used (rats in the pantry, friends of the rabbit) to describe corruption and waste. In addition to the emotional appeal, the speaker is procedurally demanding, requiring the session chair to acknowledge the error.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Data is available only for a single Riigikogu sitting (the Minister of Defence's presentation) in September 2025, during which the speaker raised repeated questions and procedural remarks. Broader patterns of activity or frequency of participation cannot be determined.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary adversaries are the Minister of Defense and the Ministry of Defense, who stand accused of squandering public funds and dishonesty (the 5 billion euro issue). The criticism is intense, encompassing accusations of fueling public outrage and smearing and haranguing the minister's speech. The conflict also extends to the chairman of the session, who is being demanded to admit their error.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no data available regarding cooperation. The speaker's style is purely confrontational, focusing on challenging and criticizing the actions of the minister and the Riigikogu Board.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national issues (national defense, military service, the use of taxpayer money) and international aid (funds directed to Ukraine). There are no references to specific regional or local problems within Estonia.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views emphasize fiscal responsibility and transparency, standing against the allocation of 5 billion euros for national defense acquisitions, especially considering the context of rising taxes. The speaker references the public's displeasure concerning the new taxes and calls for the prudent use of public funds.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue discussed is mandatory military service and gender roles. The speaker vehemently opposes compulsory military service for women, employing highly emotional and fear-mongering rhetoric ("Are we going to kill off Estonian women in the war as well?"). They also point out the decreasing number of young men entering conscription.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Legislative focus is centered on the critical evaluation of the Ministry of Defence's activities and the implementation of the long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035". The speaker acts as both an opponent and an interrogator, especially regarding the possible enactment of mandatory military service for women.
5 Speeches Analyzed