Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "On the Development of Measures for Increasing the Birth Rate" (208 OE)
2024-09-16
The 15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting.
Political Position
The political focus is on the dramatic decline in the birth rate and the necessity of creating a secure environment for families, which is being supported by the initiation of a draft resolution. The speaker strongly supports measures aimed at boosting the birth rate and sharply criticizes the government for its anti-child policies and the cuts implemented in the area of taxation. This political position is strongly value-based, centered on preserving the national corpus and preventing demographic "death blows."
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The presenter demonstrates expertise in the field of demography and family policy, addressing the causes of the decline in the birth rate and the government's previous measures (e.g., parental benefits, child allowances). Three factors threatening the population are analyzed: migration, aging, and emigration. Instead of technical data, emphasis is placed on the importance of the state's attitude and the creation of a secure environment.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly passionate, dramatic, and sharply confrontational, utilizing strong emotional and accusatory language (e.g., "child-hating government," "insane actions"). The speaker emphasizes the urgency of the issue and the existential threat, employing both procedural criticism and value-based attacks targeting the government's moral failure.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speakers are participating in the first reading of the Riigikogu draft resolution, the purpose of which is to task the government with developing measures aimed at increasing the birth rate. One speaker criticized procedural restrictions that hinder substantive debate and effectively turn the questions into a "dumping ground." Data concerning other activity patterns is unavailable.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main adversary is Kaja Kallas’s government and the Reform Party, who are accused of pursuing anti-child policies, creating instability, and taking money away from families. The criticism is intense and ranges from specific political decisions (tax cuts, restrictions on parental benefits) to ideological accusations (population replacement, indoctrination of youth).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker highlights their faction's initiative and urges all colleagues to support the draft legislation, making a positive reference to their colleague Riina Solman. The collaborative approach is geared towards mobilizing opposition forces, yet there is no mention of seeking compromises with the ruling coalition.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is exclusively at the national level, addressing the demographic future of the Estonian people and the national entity, as well as emigration from Estonia. Regional or local topics are not covered.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is strongly opposed to the government’s tax policy and cuts, which are being implemented at the expense of families and children. It is emphasized that the nation’s true prosperity does not come from new taxes, but from its people and long-term investment in children and families. The idea of introducing a state levy on previously free higher education is also criticized.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The central social theme is the birth rate crisis and population decline, which is being treated as a national security issue. The speaker opposes immigration, labeling it the replacement of the population, and criticizes the media for portraying children as a burden. Support is provided for large families and the creation of a safe environment for childbirth.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative priority is the initiation and backing of Riigikogu draft decision 208 OE, which tasks the government with developing draft legislation aimed at creating an environment supportive of increased birth rates. Additionally, focus is being placed on procedural criticism, specifically citing restrictions in the rules of procedure that obstruct substantive debate.
4 Speeches Analyzed