Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Request for Information Regarding Prison Space Rental (no. 645)
2024-10-21
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is firmly opposed to the plan to rent out prison spaces, viewing it as financially absurd and morally questionable. Criticism is aimed at the government’s lack of transparency and incompetence in addressing the budget deficit, stressing that the Riigikogu (Parliament) has been excluded from the decision-making process. The political framework is strongly results-oriented and values-driven, focusing on the failure of the government’s actions and its lack of integrity.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the operational costs of prisons (including general and dental care, psychological services, and religious services) as well as the functioning of the probation system. They reference specific officials (probation officers) and utilize financial data (30 million in revenue versus a deficit in the billions) to support their arguments. Detailed questions are posed concerning whether the potential revenue would cover all costs incurred by the host country.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative, critical, and emotional, directly accusing the government of lying and a lack of transparency. Irony is employed (30 million is ridiculous), and it emphasizes that the Riigikogu receives only "evasive answers" in response. The speaker uses strong emotional appeals to highlight the misdirection of the government's priorities and its failure to take the public into account.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively engages in the Riigikogu's interpellation process, viewing it as one of the few avenues available for debating the government and obtaining information. He notes that the Riigikogu has been excluded from the decision-making process, underscoring the necessity of utilizing these interpellations specifically as a mechanism for oversight.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the government and the Minister of Justice, who are criticized for a lack of transparency, ineffective budget policy, and falsehoods. The criticism is intense, accusing the government of disregarding the public and proposing "weird economic models." Former heads of government and the current administration are particularly sharply criticized for concealing the actual status of negotiations.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There are no indications of cooperation or a willingness to compromise with other factions; the focus is entirely on sharp criticism of the government. It notes the need to balance the round of speeches so that it is not overly "masculine," which could suggest collegiality within their own faction or with other female colleagues.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national and international topics, covering Estonia's state budget, prison system, and relations with the United Kingdom. Policies at the European Union level are also mentioned (the green transition, CO2 trading), which affect the Estonian economy. There is no regional focus.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
He/She advocates for tackling the budget deficit by slashing major expenses (like Rail Baltic and the green transition), instead of scraping together small amounts by cutting social benefits, co-pays, or family allowances. They deem the government's proposed 30 million in revenue from renting out prisons as laughable, given the scale of the state budget deficit. Furthermore, they oppose economic models that turn normal life on its head, such as declaring CO2 a poison purely for commercial gain.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Focuses on criminal justice and public safety, criticizing the prison depopulation policy that allows potentially dangerous offenders to remain free. It highlights social inequality, noting that expensive services (dental care, psychiatry) are freely available to inmates, but are inaccessible to law-abiding citizens in Estonia.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary focus is on scrutinizing the government's actions via a formal inquiry (interpellation) concerning the leasing of prison capacity. The speaker is a staunch opponent of the government's plans and is demanding a halt to major infrastructure and green transition projects, arguing that they are financially irresponsible.
3 Speeches Analyzed