Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Third reading of the Basic Education Act bill (419 SE)
2024-12-11
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the draft Preschool Education Act, arguing that it threatens the linguistic and cultural environment of Estonian children and will lead to Russification. This stance is value-based, emphasizing Estonia's constitutional obligation as a nation-state to protect the Estonian nation and language. The speaker believes that the draft promotes internationalism and multiculturalism, and is therefore unconstitutional.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates competence regarding the practical issues of early childhood education, highlighting examples from kindergartens, teacher qualifications, and the development of linguistic confusion among Estonian children. References are made to Article 51 of the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia and Article 9 of the Language Act to support the argument concerning the unconstitutionality of the draft bill. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of prior assessment of the language skills of children with a second mother tongue and the need for a specialized methodology.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, emotional, and insistent, employing sharp accusations regarding the promotion of internationalism and Russification. The speaker utilizes anecdotal examples (such as a child saying "mama") and the worries of parents to establish a dramatic tone. The speech culminates in a physical act: tearing the draft legislation to shreds to emphasize that it belongs in the trash.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speech was delivered during the third reading of the bill, indicating active participation in critical parliamentary processes. The speaker also took an additional three minutes to present their objections and concerns. It is mentioned that members of the civic movement "Eesti kool on eesti keele kodu" (Estonian school is the home of the Estonian language) had met with the Cultural Committee just the day before.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Ministry of Education and Research and the governing coalition, who stand accused of disregarding the interests of Estonian children and engaging in unconstitutional activities. The criticism is intense and fundamental, labeling the opponents' actions as internationalist and discriminatory toward Estonian children. Compromise is out of the question, as the speaker believes the draft bill belongs in the trash.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is generally confrontational, yet it notes agreement with Tõnis Lukas’s earlier stance regarding the objective of transitioning to Estonian-language education. The speaker references collaboration with the civic movement "Eesti kool on eesti keele kodu" (The Estonian school is the home of the Estonian language), which represents kindergarten educators and parents. There is absolutely no openness to compromise concerning the substance of the draft legislation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is clearly directed towards Tallinn and Ida-Virumaa, as these are the areas facing the biggest practical challenges associated with the transition to Estonian-language education. Particular emphasis is placed on the Russification of Tallinn's kindergartens and the danger that Tallinn might become a city exclusively for Russians. A specific example concerning a kindergarten in Lasnamäe is also mentioned.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The core of the social agenda revolves around the preservation of the Estonian language and nation, which is intrinsically linked to education policy. The speaker strongly advocates for the rights of Estonian children to an Estonian-language upbringing environment, taking a stand against multiculturalism and internationalism. It is stressed that Estonia is a nation-state, and prioritizing the interests of the Estonian nation is a constitutional mandate.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the Draft Law on Early Childhood Education (Bill 419 SE), which the speaker vocally opposes during its third reading. The objective is to fully reject the bill because, in the speaker's view, it infringes upon the rights of Estonian children. Support is given to the proposal to introduce prior language proficiency assessment and specialized methodological assistance for children whose native language is different.
2 Speeches Analyzed