Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Draft law amending the Child Protection Act and other laws (427 SE) – second reading
2024-10-10
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fourth sitting, plenary session.
Political Position
The political stance is staunchly focused on the protection of child welfare and safety, voicing intense opposition to the draft legislation's provisions that would permit convicted pedophiles to return to working with children. Criticism is also leveled at the funding and subsequent cuts to social services, which severely undermine the ability to identify children in need of assistance. This position is deeply value-based, prioritizing the safeguarding of children from harm.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge of child protection legislation, referring to § 2 of the amendments to the Criminal Records Database Act and the special duty of care incumbent upon child protection officials. The assessment has focused on the lack of scientific justification regarding the recidivism risk associated with pedophilia, as well as resource problems within social services. Insights from recent child protection cases that have shocked the public are utilized.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharp, anxious, and emotionally charged, utilizing incidents that have shocked the public and social media references to emphasize the reality of the dangers. The speaker poses powerful rhetorical questions ("I can’t imagine what those officials are thinking with?") to express indignation and demand accountability. The appeal is emotional and moral rather than dry and data-driven.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity involves active participation in the legislative process, submitting questions during the second reading of the draft legislation. The speaker reacts quickly to recent child protection cases that have affected the public, immediately bringing them into parliamentary debate.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed towards officials of the Social Insurance Board, whose discretionary power regarding the employment of individuals who have served sentences is deemed hazardous, as well as the drafters of the legislative proposal. The criticism is policy- and procedure-based, focusing on the creation of dangerous loopholes in the legislation and the lack of necessary resources.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It focuses exclusively on national issues, referencing incidents that have shocked the Estonian public and cuts to national social services. There is no specific regional or local emphasis.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are tied to the financing of social services, with an emphasis that current budget cuts impede the identification and assistance of children who require aid. The speaker directly links the shortage of funds to both employee motivation and the overall quality of services provided.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social focus is on ensuring children's safety and protecting them from sexual abuse, which necessitates demanding stricter restrictions for convicted pedophiles who have served their sentences. Furthermore, the priority of the child's welfare is stressed in cases requiring child protection intervention, particularly when the child expresses a desire to remain with the mother.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on amendments to the Child Protection Act and the Penal Register Act (Bill 427 SE), the objective of which is to improve the detection of children requiring assistance. The speaker is critical of the draft bill's provisions, demanding their modification to ensure stricter restrictions for pedophiles and a greater duty of care for child protection officials.
3 Speeches Analyzed