Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
First reading of the draft law amending the Whistleblower Protection Act on Breaches of European Union Law and the Act on International Sanctions (EU restrictive measures directive) (584 SE)
2025-03-25
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is heavily focused on opposing sanctions circumvention and ensuring political accountability. The speaker criticizes the prevailing political paradigm that allowed the sanctions violation case (Stark Logistics) to be swept under the carpet. It is stressed that the pursuit of short-term gain must not be allowed to undermine European security. The political framework is strongly rooted in values and results, demanding that political consequences be applied.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the implementation of international sanctions, the Whistleblower Protection Act (584 SE), and European security issues. A specific and detailed example (Stark Logistics' operations with Russia) is utilized to illustrate mechanisms for sanctions circumvention. This expertise is further evident in the direct connection drawn between corporate actions and geopolitical consequences ("oiled Putin's war machine").
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative, accusatory, and confrontational, utilizing strong emotional appeals, especially regarding the war and the circumvention of sanctions. The speaker presents hypothetical questions to the minister and accuses him of evading a direct answer. The tone escalates to the direct accusation that the minister "ridicules and demeans Estonia as a state governed by the rule of law."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Speaking patterns are limited to three consecutive interventions in the Riigikogu during a single sitting, which demonstrates active and consistent participation in the Question and Answer session. The speaker utilizes the opportunity to pose both the initial question and two additional, accusatory follow-up remarks.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is directed against the minister and the government, who are accused of avoiding political responsibility and covering up the case of sanctions circumvention (Stark Logistics). The criticism is intense and ranges from political failure to the accusation of undermining Estonia as a state governed by the rule of law. The opposition is also aimed at Kaja Kallas’s personal role and her husband’s business activities.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no evidence of cooperation, compromise, or bipartisan activity; the speaker's style is purely confrontational and accusatory.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on international issues (Russia, sanctions, European security) and their impact on Estonia’s domestic political accountability. A specific example (Stark Logistics) relates to international trade and the ongoing military conflict in Ukraine.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views stress the need to regulate business activity to prevent sanctions evasion driven by short-term gain. The speaker opposes business interests that undermine European security, favoring strict sanctions compliance and political accountability.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is not enough data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed toward the draft act (584 SE) supplementing the Act on the Protection of Whistleblowers Reporting Infringements of European Union Law in the Occupational Sphere and the International Sanctions Act. The speaker is an active participant in the debate on the bill, seeking to emphasize the importance of its implementation in the context of political and corporate responsibility.
3 Speeches Analyzed