Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (536 SE) – first reading
2024-11-20
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly value-based, focusing on the defense of the Estonian nation-state and the inviolability of the constitution. The speaker firmly opposes the constitutional amendment (536 SE), which would grant voting rights to individuals with undefined citizenship, calling it the defilement of the constitution and the destruction of the nation-state. Their position is that only Estonian citizens should be allowed to vote.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of constitutional and electoral law, focusing on the status of citizenship and persons with undetermined citizenship (holders of the so-called 'gray passport'). The argumentation is legal-ideological, emphasizing Estonia's constitutional status as a nation-state, rather than being data-driven.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, emotional, and forceful, employing strong negative metaphors (e.g., "defiling the constitution," "the destruction of the nation-state"). It appeals to the threat posed to the future of children and grandchildren, and the tone is accusatory, calling into question the opponents' "common sense."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary adversaries are the supporters of the constitutional amendment bill, especially the Social Democrats, who are accused of holding others hostage. The criticism is intense and ideological, accusing the opponents of unconstitutional activity and jeopardizing the future of Estonia. No willingness to compromise is evident.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker refers to a proposal put forward by their faction or party, which stands in opposition to Bill 536 SE, thereby demonstrating internal unity. There is no indication whatsoever of a willingness to compromise with the opposition, whom they accuse of destroying the nation-state.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is exclusively at the national level, addressing the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia and the nature of the nation-state. Although threats "from the East" and "from the wider world" are mentioned, this is utilized in the context of national security and identity.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social theme revolves around citizenship policy and the restriction of voting rights, framed as an issue critical to the survival of the nation-state. The speaker vehemently opposes extending suffrage to individuals with undetermined citizenship, viewing this as a significant threat to Estonia’s demographic and political future.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the opposition to the draft act (536 SE) concerning amendments to the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia regarding suffrage. The speaker is an active opponent and points to their alternative proposal, which stresses limiting voting rights exclusively to Estonian citizens.
1 Speeches Analyzed