Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu "Proposal to the Republic's Government to submit an application to the European Commission for the exemption of energy production companies from the obligation to purchase CO2 quotas" (619 OE)
2025-05-14
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is vehemently opposed to CO2 quotas and climate regulations, which are characterized as a "great lie" and a "racket" aimed at selling thin air. The stance is strongly value-driven, focusing on exposing alleged criminal manipulation and intimidation. The primary objective is to halt policies that impoverish nations and their people.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Knowledge of the atmosphere's composition is demonstrated, highlighting the proportion of CO2 (0.004%) in order to deconstruct the climate narrative. Furthermore, knowledge is demonstrated regarding the links between global energy systems and political systems, citing examples of democratic nations (USA, India, Norway, Japan) that utilize fossil fuels. Reliance is also placed on the mathematical and economic arguments of colleagues (Rain Epler, Martin Helme) concerning the high cost of renewable energy.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, accusatory, and emotional, utilizing strong negative labels such as "criminal manipulation" and "a huge, huge lie." Populist language is employed (e.g., "now tell the people in simple terms"), and opponents (liberals, Kaja Kallas) are accused of tactical manipulation aimed at influencing the official transcript. The style is more persuasive and ideological than neutrally data-driven.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The addresses demonstrate active participation in the Riigikogu session (First Reading of Bill 619), raising both substantive objections and procedural questions concerning the conduct of the sitting. The pattern is reactive, involving direct responses to the rapporteurs and challenging the presiding officer’s rulings regarding the number of questions allowed.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponents are the proponents of climate regulations, who are accused of outright lying, fearmongering, and engaging in shady financial schemes. Criticism is also aimed at the rhetorical tactics employed by "liberals" and Kaja Kallas. The opponents' stance has been completely rejected on ideological grounds, as it is viewed as criminal manipulation and "woo-woo."
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is supportive towards colleagues who share similar views (Rain Epler, Martin Helme) and other opposition parties (the Center Party, Isamaa), all of whom have criticized the high cost and questionable environmental credentials of renewable energy. This demonstrates a readiness to unite behind a common economic and energy-related opposition.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on international (CO2 quotas, European Commission) and national economic impacts, highlighting how this policy impoverishes nations. International examples (USA, India, Norway, Japan) are used to illustrate the link between democracy and fossil fuels. There is no specific local or regional focus within Estonia.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are strongly opposed to CO2 quotas, which are viewed purely as "selling air" and churning money, lacking any real economic basis. Traditional energy sources are supported, and the high cost of developing renewable energy is criticized because it makes countries poor.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The only social issue is the double victimization of young people due to climate scaremongering and criminal manipulation. This frames climate policy as a social detriment directed against the younger generation.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on opposing Riigikogu draft decision 619 OE, which seeks to exempt energy producers from the mandatory purchase of CO2 quotas. Furthermore, strict adherence to the Parliament's Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act is being emphasized, specifically by challenging the procedural decisions made by the presiding officer.
6 Speeches Analyzed