Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
An inquiry regarding the hindrance of development in the defence industry (no 783)
2025-09-15
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position centers on strong opposition to the sale of majority stakes in state-funded defense industry companies (Milrem Robotics) to foreign nations. Emphasis is placed on the need to avoid situations where state resources are pumped into a firm that is subsequently sold to non-NATO countries, citing security risks. The theme of national oversight and sovereignty is absent, having been replaced by outcome-based criticism.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the history of sales involving defense industry flagships (Milrem Robotics) and strategic assets, citing the case of Estonian power plants. The expertise lies in linking ownership structures with geopolitical risks (Arab conglomerates, Russia, non-NATO countries). Specific examples are used to illustrate the inefficient use of state funds and security threats.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is concerned and interrogative, using historical parallels (Estonian power plants) to underscore security threats. Strong imagery ("flagship") is employed, and uncertainty is emphasized through rhetorical questions to demand accountability and future resilience. The tone is formal, yet it includes strong criticism of past decisions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of behavior demonstrates involvement in the Riigikogu interpellation process, indicating active engagement in the oversight of government activities. The address was delivered in response to the minister’s presentation, suggesting a direct and responsive communication style.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is directed against the government or national policy which permitted the sale of a state-funded company to foreign owners who may have ties to Russia. The opposition is procedural and focuses on shortcomings in national oversight and the recurrence of strategic errors. The intensity of the attack is moderate, but it includes serious security warnings.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperative approach is inadequate in this context, as this is an interpellation directed at the minister, which tends to emphasize the role of oversight and demanding accountability. There are no references to collaboration with colleagues or other political parties.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is directed toward the national management of strategic assets and international security, analyzing the influence of non-NATO countries (Arabs, Russia) on the Estonian defense industry. Emphasis is placed on the fate of investments made by the Estonian state.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views support state investment in strategic enterprises ("The Estonian state actually poured quite considerable resources into it"). However, there is strong opposition to selling majority stakes in these companies to foreign private concerns, especially if doing so creates security risks and the use of public funds fails to yield long-term benefits.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently directed toward oversight (including parliamentary queries to the minister) and, in the future, the creation of regulations designed to prevent state-funded strategic enterprises from falling under the control of undesirable foreign states. The priority is ensuring national security through ownership regulations.
2 Speeches Analyzed