Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Interpellation concerning the restoration of bogs (No. 625)
2024-09-09
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the current environmental policy, particularly the bog restoration agenda based on Brussels guidelines. The speaker criticizes the policy as ideological and externally driven, drawing parallels with the Soviet era. This stance is deeply value-based, emphasizing that the economy and food production are being sacrificed in the name of climate goals.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the historical context surrounding the drainage of wetlands and the role of peat in global food production and the nation's export revenue. Economic and environmental terminology—such as "peat," "drainage ditches," and "enemy of the climate"—is employed to support the argument for protecting the value of peat.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative and skeptical, utilizing strong historical parallels (Moscow vs. Brussels) to discredit policy. The speaker employs emotional and provocative expressions, such as "what can you really tell an ideologue about that?" and the metaphor "throwing the baby out with the bathwater," emphasizing the ideological confrontation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is too little data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the proponents of the bog restoration policy, who are branded as "ideologues" and who are simply following Brussels' directives. The criticism is intense and focuses on the economic damage caused by the policy (the cutting off of export revenue) as well as the ideological blindness that ignores the real-world consequences.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There isn't enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level, emphasizing Estonian bogs as a source of national pride and beauty, and stressing the necessity of preserving the country’s export revenue. The focus is also being broadened to the international stage, criticizing Brussels’ directives and warning of the risk of global famine.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker strongly defends the business sector and the national export earnings derived from the use of peat. The achievement of environmental goals is viewed as a direct threat to the economy, one that would shut down the relevant industry and reduce state revenues. Peat is considered a vital raw material, and any hostility toward its use is seen as economically detrimental.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues addressed is the question of food security, warning that the demonization of peat in the name of climate targets could lead to widespread global famine. This directly links the consequences of environmental policy to human survival and social stability.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the bog restoration policy and the related interpellation (No. 625). The speaker is acting as a critical opponent, calling into question the policy's foundations and warning of its negative economic and social consequences.
1 Speeches Analyzed