Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Second reading of the draft law (469 SE) ratifying the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Convention No. 190 concerning the elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work
2024-10-24
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is one of strong opposition to the ratification of the International Labour Organization convention, as it contains veiled ideological elements, specifically the concept of social gender. The speaker defines the opposition's role as dissecting legislation and identifying hidden dangers, contrasting this approach with the coalition's automatic approval. The position is strongly value-based, focusing on the deviation from traditions and labeling the draft bill a "Brezhnev package."
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the specific articles of the convention (Articles 1, 4, and 6) and the corresponding implementation obligations. They are familiar with the working procedures of the Riigikogu, demanding the public disclosure of committee protocols and referencing a prior discussion with Minister Pakosta. It is stressed that violence and harassment are already addressed in the existing criminal code, thereby calling into question the need for new regulation.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is passionate, polemical, and accusatory, employing strong emotional appeals and ironic examples (such as the cat example and the demand for cat litter). Metaphors like the "Brezhnev package" are utilized to describe the underlying ideology. The speaker is outspoken and sharply criticizes the coalition's activities and the ethical conduct of the liberals.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively involved in the second reading of the bill, taking the floor late in the evening. He actively participates in questioning the rapporteur and demands the disclosure of the committee's minutes. It is noted that reviewing the materials and preparing questions is routine work for an opposition member of parliament.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are coalition MPs, who are accused of blindly rubber-stamping legislation, and the Reform Party (the liberals). Particularly sharp criticism is aimed at Jürgen Ligi, who is accused of verbal abuse and workplace harassment at the Riigikogu rostrum. The opposition is intense and uncompromising, claiming that the liberals are allowed to do anything and that they have legitimized violence against women.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on international law (the ILO Convention) and its implementation within the legislation of the Republic of Estonia. There is no regional focus.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Concerns are being voiced about the excessive regulatory burden placed on employers stemming from the requirement to account for social genders. It is stressed that employers would have to commit an unreasonably large amount of resources to dealing with "all this madness," which is economically unsound.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In social issues, the speaker holds strongly traditional views, opposing the introduction of the concept of social gender and referring to marriage equality as a deviation from tradition. He emphasizes the existence of biological sexes and traditional mutual respect between men and women. Warnings are issued against ideological NGOs and the concept of "100 genders."
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is opposition to the draft bill (469 SE) concerning the ratification of the International Labour Organization convention. The speaker is a strong opponent of the bill, focusing on an analysis of its provisions (Arts 1, 4, 6) and arguing that the Estonian rule of law is capable of dealing with violence and harassment even without the new convention.
4 Speeches Analyzed