Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu “Establishment of a Riigikogu investigative committee to investigate circumstances related to the Rail Baltic project” (460 OE)
2024-11-07
15th Parliament, 4th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance centers on strong opposition to the Rail Baltic project, which is regarded as a terribly wasteful and grandiose undertaking. The speaker demands a comprehensive investigation to uncover potential corruption and money laundering associated with the massive funds involved. The position is geared toward ensuring fiscal responsibility and exposing administrative failures and abuse. Furthermore, security arguments are being challenged, citing the viewpoint of the Commander of the Defence Forces.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates an understanding of the financial magnitude of Rail Baltic, citing hundreds of millions and billions of euros sourced from both Estonian and European funds. The second address utilizes security expertise, quoting the opinion of the Commander of the Defence Forces, Major General Andrus Merilo, concerning Rail Baltic's security benefits versus its cost. The subject areas covered include infrastructure projects, public finance, and strategic security planning.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, accusatory, and direct, employing strong negative expressions ("terribly wasteful," "big business"). The speaker balances an emotional appeal (the wasting of taxpayer money) with a logical argument, relying on authoritative sources (the Commander of the Defense Forces). A comparison is also drawn with another country (Latvia) in the context of potential corruption.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the Riigikogu session, contributing questions and objections during the first reading of the draft resolution to establish the Rail Baltic investigative committee. This pattern of activity demonstrates a readiness to intervene in the debate and pose critical questions regarding major government projects.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed both at a "certain group" benefiting from the Rail Baltic project and at colleagues who defend the project, specifically naming Valdo Randpere. The criticism targets the opponents' attempt to link opposition to Rail Baltic with opposition to national security. The speaker demands that the opponents correct their talking points and way of thinking.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Data is scarce.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the large national infrastructure project (Rail Baltic) and its financial implications for the Estonian taxpayer. An international comparison with Latvia is also introduced regarding potential corruption and the misuse of personal interests.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic positions emphasize fiscal responsibility and opposition to large-scale public waste. Rail Baltic is viewed more as a project serving specific interest groups and a "business" scheme that requires investigation due to suspicions of corruption and money laundering.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Data is scarce.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on the formation of a Riigikogu investigative committee (Draft Bill 460 OE) to examine the circumstances related to the Rail Baltic project. The speaker is a strong proponent of this investigative activity, with the explicit goal of exposing corruption and money laundering.
2 Speeches Analyzed