Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
The Regional Affairs and Agricultural Minister's 2024 presentation on the implementation of the state’s long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035"
2024-09-25
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government’s transport policy (car abolition, car tax), branding it as pure ideology and "a nation of simpletons." It emphasizes the necessity of focusing on the practical needs of people in peripheral areas: mobility, work, and livelihood, contrasting this with complex development plans. Furthermore, it supports the implementation of regional infrastructure projects, such as the Haapsalu railway.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates knowledge of regional transport and infrastructure issues, specifically criticizing the inefficiency of both demand-responsive and frequency-based public transport. Possesses detailed knowledge of the history of the Haapsalu railway project and its subsequent stalling during the Kaja Kallas governments. The expertise focuses on the socio-economic mobility needs of the regional periphery.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative, critical, and ironic, employing strong negative imagery, such as "a nation of simpletons," to describe the government's policy. It makes a strong emotional appeal to the basic needs of people in peripheral regions (mobility, livelihood) and argues based on practical concerns rather than empirical data. The tone is direct and accusatory.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity is limited to participation in the discussion of the Minister's presentation in September 2024, posing several consecutive questions and comments. This pattern suggests active involvement in regional policy debates.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is aimed at the government and personally Kaja Kallas's administration, who are accused of scuttling previous regional projects (the Haapsalu railway). The criticism is intense and focuses on the ideological nature of the policy, its inefficiency, and bureaucratic complexity (programs, procurements/tenders).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
It refers to colleague Ruusmann to emphasize similar concerns in various peripheral regions (Southeast Estonia and West Estonia), suggesting regional cooperation within the opposition. There is no data available regarding the search for compromises with government members or other political parties.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong and explicit regional focus on peripheral areas, particularly the West Estonian electoral district (Läänemaa, Saaremaa, Hiiumaa). It stresses that regional residents require opportunities for movement and employment, rather than complicated development plans. It supports the Haapsalu railway project, which is important for West Estonia.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic platform centers on guaranteeing the financial stability of people living in remote regions (ensuring jobs and livelihoods). It opposes the car tax, arguing that it restricts mobility and consequently stifles economic activity in the periphery. Furthermore, it criticizes excessive bureaucracy (such as public procurements and development plans) as a hindrance to the well-being of the population.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues focus on regional inequality and the right of residents in remote areas to a simple life, movement, and work. It is emphasized that government policy ignores the actual social needs of residents in peripheral regions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed toward the restoration and advancement of the Haapsalu railway project, having acted as its initiator and supporter. He/She takes on the role of an opponent regarding the car tax and inefficient public transport schemes, which, in his/her estimation, are ideologically driven.
3 Speeches Analyzed