Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
The situation in the country
2024-11-06
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th sitting, information briefing
Political Position
The political focus is currently on the issue of suffrage in local elections, with a firm demand that only Estonian citizens be allowed to vote. The speaker rejects the government's proposed solution involving exceptions, arguing that it preserves voting rights for individuals deemed disloyal. This position is strongly value-based, emphasizing loyalty and sovereignty, and references historical errors made during the 1990s.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the history of Estonian citizenship and suffrage, referencing the events of the 1990s and the pressure exerted by OSCE Commissioner Max van der Stoel. They employ specific terminology (holders of the gray passport, dual citizenship) and are familiar with the fate of previous legislative drafts in the Riigikogu. A specific figure (approximately 70,000) for gray passport holders is also cited.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly aggressive and accusatory, employing direct address aimed at the Prime Minister and leveling accusations of lying and obfuscation. Strong emotional appeals are utilized, such as the themes of disloyalty and "spitting on" Estonian citizenship. Sharp rhetorical questions are repeatedly posed to undermine the opponent's logic and motives.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the governing coalition, especially the Reform Party (due to historical context) and the Social Democrats (who are accused of trying to preserve their voter base). The criticism is intense, accusing the opposing side of political deception and defending the rights of non-loyal voters. The solution proposed by the government is considered dangerous for Estonia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style is rigid and uncompromising; although they agree with the objective of excluding citizens of aggressor states, the government’s solution is immediately rejected as "weak" and dangerous. It is emphasized that EKRE has repeatedly presented its "pure solution," and the government is unwilling to support it.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker mentions their personal origin from Võru County and acknowledges the introduction given in the Võru language. Nevertheless, the political focus is predominantly national (voting rights, citizenship) and international (aggressor states, comparison with Latvia).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue revolves around citizenship, loyalty, and security, specifically concerning the right to vote in local elections. The position is that holders of the gray passport have demonstrated disloyalty for decades by refusing citizenship, and maintaining their voting rights constitutes a security risk.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on amending electoral laws to abolish the right to vote for disloyal individuals in local elections and establish a "clean solution." The speaker emphasizes that EKRE has repeatedly submitted corresponding draft bills and opposes the current government’s proposal to amend the constitution, deeming it unsuitable.
2 Speeches Analyzed