Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Draft Law on the Organisation of Research and Development and Innovation (554 SE) - First Reading
2025-02-26
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The central theme revolves around the control of science and innovation funding, coupled with political interference in academic freedom. The speaker strongly opposes the current government’s (Reform Party) efforts to seize control of the funding distribution system, fearing it will lead to permanent political bias. This stance is value-based, stressing the right of researchers to question and hold dissenting views, in direct contrast to political mandates.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates awareness of the structure and control mechanisms governing science funding, citing both Estonian (Saarma, Sutrop) and international (USA) examples. He recognizes and stresses the role of scientists as skeptics and proponents of differing views. Furthermore, he is familiar with incidents involving political attacks against academic leaders.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is confrontational, accusatory, and skeptical, especially concerning the actions of the minister and the government. Contrast is used (words vs. deeds) along with direct rhetorical questions to call into question the opposing side's motives and definitions. The style is quite politically charged and focuses on explicitly naming the responsible individuals (Lutsar, Ossinovski).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party and politicians who interfere with science and attack scientists. Specific mention is made of Margit Sutrop’s bias and the attacks by Irja Lutsar and Jevgeni Ossinovski against Mart Saarma, the president of the Academy of Sciences. The criticism is intense, focusing both on political control and the actions of specific individuals.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on Estonia's domestic research organization and political intervention in the academic sphere. Internationally, the USA is mentioned as an example of saving state funds by halting waste that occurs under the guise of science.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker supports saving state funds and preventing waste in science funding, positively citing the US's efforts in this regard. At the same time, it is acknowledged that conducting science today requires significant financial resources, which is why the fair and politically unbiased distribution of oversight is crucial.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the Draft Act on the Organization of Research and Development and Innovation (Bill 554 SE). The speaker is critical of the potential impact of the bill, which they fear could lead to the political takeover of the funding distribution system.
3 Speeches Analyzed