Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Inquiry regarding energy supply reliability (no. 717)
2025-04-14
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to the current policy of energy system desynchronization, arguing that it has resulted in massive and unwarranted expenditures (14 million euros in just two months). This position is outcome-based, stressing that instead of the promised freedom, the populace has been effectively stripped of its funds (a pun meaning they have been made penniless), and asserting further that Estonia is "on a course for catastrophe" because of this energy policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding energy systems and capacity markets, utilizing technical terms such as "frequency keeping" and "low inertia solar and wind energy generation." Specific financial figures (14 million euros, 10,000 euros per hour) are presented to illustrate the economic impact of the policy. Furthermore, they are aware of the effect that integrating renewable energy has on grid stability and costs.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, combative, and cautionary, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and using the phrase "on a course for disaster." The speaker relies on logical arguments and financial data, but uses them to create emotionally charged comparisons, contrasting energy costs with keeping the Metsküla school open and mothers' social security benefits. The speech concludes with a dramatic rhetorical question drawn from a film classic.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Data is scarce.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is aimed at the government or the policy spokespersons who advocated for the disconnection of the power system, specifically criticizing their previous promises regarding freedom. The criticism is intense, focusing on the economic failure of the policy and its repercussions in the social sphere. There is no mention of the possibility of compromise; instead, the ruinous nature of the policy is stressed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Data is lacking.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is represented by the example of Metsküla School. This example is used to illustrate how national energy costs significantly outweigh the social costs that are crucial for local communities. This helps create a contrasting picture between national policy and local life.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is strongly opposed to the high energy expenditures associated with frequency maintenance, viewing this as irresponsible spending. The necessity of fiscal discipline is stressed, given that high energy costs are indirectly covered by cuts to social spending. This stance reflects a clear preference for social welfare and the preservation of community services over excessively expensive infrastructure projects.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social problems emphasized is the removal of health insurance coverage (costing 13 million annually) from mothers staying home with small children, directly linking this measure to the high costs of energy policy. These social cuts are utilized as a moral argument to demonstrate the injustice and inequality inherent in the policy. Furthermore, the threat of closing Metsküla school is also highlighted as a key social issue.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed toward holding the government accountable through a formal interpellation, centering on the economic repercussions of the existing energy policy (desynchronization). The speaker is acting primarily as a critic and a representative of the opposition, demanding explanations and criticizing the actual costs of the policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed