Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Third reading of the draft law on the 2025 state budget (513 SE)
2024-12-11
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is on opposing the expenditures in the 2025 state budget, particularly the annual commitment of 100 million euros (0.25% of GDP) for aid to Ukraine. The speaker is demanding that political priorities be set according to the needs of the Estonian people and calls for exiting this agreement. This stance is strongly value-based, emphasizing that Estonian taxpayer money should be used to solve domestic problems. This represents robust opposition to the government's fiscal policy, which is further fueled by recent tax hikes and the ongoing budget deficit.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a strong grasp of national budget figures, citing specific amounts (100 million, 0.25% of GDP) and their potential alternative uses (e.g., the 1.8 million expenditure for the Vana-Vigala school). The professional focus lies in connecting the budget deficit, tax hikes, and social expenditures with foreign aid. Furthermore, the speaker is well-versed in specific fiscal policy measures, such as the car tax and value-added tax (VAT), as well as social spending cuts.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical and emotional, contrasting large sums of foreign aid with specific domestic problems (such as the closure of the Vana-Vigala school or the increase in doctor’s visit fees). Accusatory language is directed at the former prime minister, suggesting that the provision of aid was linked to the advancement of his personal career in Europe. The appeals are a blend of logical calculations (100 million versus 50 years of schooling) and emotional examples (the removal of health insurance cards from mothers).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
No data is available. All speeches were delivered on December 11, 2024, during the third reading of the draft State Budget Act for 2025.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at Kaja Kallas and the government, who concluded the agreement to aid Ukraine unilaterally and without consultation with the Riigikogu. The criticism is intense and personal, accusing Kallas of securing her high-ranking position in Europe at the expense of the Estonian people. Opposition is also directed at the government’s budget priorities, which favor foreign aid over domestic needs.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker publicly supports the position of their colleague (Annely) that the issue of aid to Ukraine requires a broader discussion, indicating a readiness to cooperate with politicians who share similar views. They emphasize the necessity of breaking the silence on this topic and making it part of a wider debate. There is no information available regarding the search for a cross-party compromise.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national budgetary policy and international obligations (Ukraine), but regional impact is also emphasized. The cost of keeping the Vana-Vigala school open (1.8 million) is cited as a specific example to illustrate how foreign aid affects educational opportunities in rural areas.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspective emphasizes stimulating the domestic economy and retaining capital within Estonia so that it can circulate and foster economic growth. There is opposition to tax hikes (such as the proposed car tax or VAT increase) and support for allocating 100 million euros to cover social and education expenses, thereby preventing cuts necessitated by the budget deficit.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is directed toward maintaining existing social services and benefits. Particular emphasis is placed on the need to keep schools in rural areas open, and opposition is voiced against raising doctor’s visit fees, taking away health insurance cards from mothers staying at home with a child, and withdrawing funds from large families.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is opposing and amending the draft 2025 State Budget Act (513 SE). The specific objective is to initiate a political process to withdraw from the cooperation agreement between Estonia and Ukraine, in order to free up 100 million euros for domestic spending.
4 Speeches Analyzed