Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Social law
2025-04-16
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, press briefing
Political Position
The political focus is on social justice, particularly the protection of vulnerable groups (the elderly, children with disabilities), and the government's lack of accountability and competence. The speaker adopts a strongly oppositional stance, accusing the government of cynical and incompetent governance. The focus is primarily value-driven and centers on criticizing the effectiveness of the government's actions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge of the social welfare sector, particularly concerning benefits for people with disabilities and the nursing home scandals (specifically Tabasalu Pihlakodu and Värska Südamekodud). Awareness is also shown regarding the broad failure of the government's economic, tax, and energy policies. Particular emphasis is placed on the waiting list for special care homes for disabled children and the cuts to the work ability allowance.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely combative, emotional, and accusatory, employing strong language (e.g., "bunglers," "arrogance," "a gross crime against humanity"). The speaker appeals to moral outrage, stressing the suffering of the victims and the government’s cynicism. Rhetorical questions and irony are used repeatedly (e.g., "Seriously?").
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data is limited to two speeches on a single day, which suggests active participation in the parliamentary debate, addressing the Prime Minister and the government directly.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponent is the Reform Party and the new right-wing government, who stand accused of incompetence, arrogance, and cynical conduct. Criticism targets both political decisions (specifically, cuts to social benefits) and corruption, alleging that the government serves the interests of arms dealers, bankers, and renewable energy magnates. The attacks are intense and personal, with government members being labeled "bunglers."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no evidence of any attempt to seek cooperation or compromise; the speaker's style is purely confrontational and accusatory.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level (the situation in the Republic of Estonia), but specific cases from Tabasalu and Värska are used to illustrate the failures of social welfare.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker opposes tax increases and accuses the government of plundering the country by funneling money into the pockets of bankers, arms dealers, and renewable energy tycoons. He supports maintaining social benefits and rejects the government’s claim that people are "whining themselves into poverty." The overall economic policy is considered to be completely out of control.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is centered on the safety of the elderly in care homes and the protection of the rights of people with disabilities (including disabled children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities). The speaker sharply criticizes the state's decision to strip them of support and aid (such as the work ability allowance and the right to be placed on the waiting list for a specialized care facility). The need for accountability regarding crimes against humanity is stressed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on challenging the government's socio-political decisions (such as cuts to benefits for disabled children) and criticizing the failures of the legal system (the handling of crimes committed in care homes). The speaker operates as a staunch opponent of the existing political changes.
2 Speeches Analyzed