Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme

Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (527 SE) – first reading

2024-11-20

15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting

Political Position
The political stance is firmly focused on defending Estonian security, stressing the necessity of revoking the voting rights of citizens from aggressor states (Russia, Belarus) in local elections. The political framework is value-based and security-centric, leveling accusations against the opposition (specifically the Social Democrats) for acting contrary to the interests of the Estonian state. The speaker strongly endorses draft bill 527 SE, which would deliver the outcome sought by the Reform Party.

5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the Riigikogu's procedural rules, especially concerning the work of the Constitutional Committee and the voting out of bills (527 SE and 536 SE) from the proceedings. The direct impact of the legislation on security and suffrage is emphasized, with specific questions being posed regarding the votes and opinions expressed within the committee.

5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, accusatory, and demanding, utilizing emotional and figurative expressions to cast doubt on the opponents' motives ("dancing with a gas scarf," "beating one's chest"). The tone is geared toward demanding transparency, particularly regarding the commission's voting results, and emphasizes the exposure of underlying political motives.

5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The Speaker is active in the Riigikogu chamber debates, participating intensively in the first reading of the draft act on amending the Constitution. The pattern of activity focuses on addressing specific procedural questions to the committee rapporteur.

5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition's stance is intense and primarily aimed at the Social Democrats, who are accused of acting desperately against the interests of the Estonian state, and the Reform Party, whose demands are considered contradictory. Criticism is also directed at the rapporteur of the Constitutional Committee (Hendrik Johannes Terras), who is accused of a lack of transparency regarding the committee's voting procedures.

5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The desire for cooperation is absent; the style is confrontational and focuses on publicly criticizing the motives and actions and actions of other parties. There are no references to bilateral or cross-party cooperation.

5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level (Estonian state security) and the international context (the aggressor states Russia and Belarus), while examining the legislation governing local government elections. There are no references to specific Estonian regions or local projects.

5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.

5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is voting rights and citizenship, with the protection of the rights of individuals lacking defined citizenship (the "grey passport holders") being viewed as a direct security threat to Estonia. The speaker pits the rights of citizens against security concerns.

5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is the draft act amending the Constitution (527 SE), the purpose of which is to restrict voting rights for citizens of aggressor states. The speaker is a strong supporter of the bill but sharply criticizes the Constitutional Committee's decision to vote it out of procedure, demanding transparency regarding the background of that decision.

5 Speeches Analyzed