Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Draft law amending the Accounting Act and, as a consequence, amending other laws (516 SE) – first reading
2024-10-22
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to Draft Bill 516 SE (Amendments to the Accounting Act), particularly concerning the expansion of ESG reporting. This stance is value-driven, emphasizing the protection of the market economy from an ideological and over-regulated environment. The speaker warns that the new obligations will force companies to write "ideological nonsense" or close their doors.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates awareness of the expansion of ESG requirements (from 6 to nearly 300 companies) and the practical consequences thereof, such as market displacement and the restriction of loan availability by banks. The expertise focuses on the regulation's impact on the business environment and international competition (AliExpress, Temu). There are no references to technical accounting data or statistics.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is confrontational, critical, and at times personal, employing strong emotional expressions ("bad mood," "ideological nonsense," "schizophrenic shift"). The appeals are a mix of economic arguments (market functioning) and personal attacks regarding the minister's competence and conduct. The speaker finds it necessary to emphasize that the minister initiated the personal topic ("talking about the kitchen").
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active during the sitting, repeatedly posing questions and objections, and engaging in a fierce verbal sparring match with the minister. This pattern of activity includes taking procedural steps on behalf of the parliamentary group, specifically requesting a 10-minute recess on behalf of the EKRE faction prior to the vote.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is Minister Jürgen Ligi and the policy of the Reform Party government, which is being accused of implementing the policies of Martin Helme and EKRE. The criticism is intense, encompassing both political objections (over-regulation) and personal attacks concerning the minister's competence and conduct. The opposition is uncompromising and is also expressed through the use of procedural means (such as calling a recess).
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
No patterns of cooperation are discernible; the speaker adopts an oppositional stance, representing the interests of the EKRE faction and remaining in direct conflict with the government representative. No willingness to compromise or engage in cross-party cooperation is expressed.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national regulation and its impact on Estonian businesses that are affected by the new requirements. International competition is also addressed, citing the example of consumers preferring Asian e-commerce platforms (AliExpress, Temu, Shein) that do not comply with ESG requirements. Specific local or regional Estonian issues are not mentioned.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views expressed are strongly pro-market and anti-regulation. The speaker views ESG requirements as an excessive burden and "ideological nonsense" that impedes business activity, limits access to credit, and ultimately leads to companies shutting down. The core message is that the market, not government dictates, is what determines outcomes.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are addressed indirectly by criticizing the mandatory requirement in accounting to assess social and environmental impacts, labeling it "ideological nonsense." The speaker opposes the forced integration of social criteria into business reporting.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on opposing Draft Law 516 SE (Amendments to the Accounting Act), specifically regarding the expansion of mandatory sustainability reporting. The speaker is an active opponent, utilizing the allotted time to cast doubt on the bill's substance and its compatibility with a market economy.
6 Speeches Analyzed