Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Draft law amending the Securities Market Act and, in consequence thereof, amending other laws (588 SE) – second reading
2025-05-14
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to Draft Bill 588 SE, which regulates the gender balance on the boards of publicly listed companies. The speaker views this as a purely ideological measure, completely detached from reality, whose purpose is increasing bureaucracy. This position is value-driven, emphasizing that the regulatory imposition of equality and justice has historically led to tyranny and restricts freedoms.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker is familiar with the legislative process and corporate governance terminology (publicly traded companies, the board, quotas). The expertise centers on the necessity of reducing regulations and highlighting ideological threats, employing arguments based on biological and evolutionary differences. There are no references to technical data or statistics.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, passionate, and emotional, employing strong language such as "witch hunt" and "the dustbin of history." The appeals are heavily ideological and historical, warning of tyrannical consequences, and include direct personal attacks against opponents. The speaker also uses questions to cast doubt on the opposing side's motives and knowledge (e.g., the reference to Kristina Kallas and 20+ genders).
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was active during the late-night debate, requesting and utilizing additional time to complete their full eight minutes of speaking time. This demonstrates a willingness to engage extensively and thoroughly in the legislative discussion to voice strong opposition. There is no data available regarding regular appearances or other activities.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is intense and targets both the ideological substance of the bill and specific opponents (liberals, socialists, Riina). The criticism is both personal and procedural, accusing the opponents of conducting an unfair witch hunt against Kert Kingo and displaying hypocrisy regarding women's representation. The speaker rules out any compromise, calling the regulation "foolish and ideological" and predicting that it will eventually be relegated to the dustbin of history.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely national and international, concentrating on the regulations and legislation governing Estonian listed companies. The speaker references the international context, citing, for example, the US President's stance on gender issues and the Minister of Education and Research's positions regarding scientific consensus.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspective is strongly anti-regulation, stressing that publicly listed companies are already struggling under the weight of over-regulation. The speaker supports reducing regulations and opposes increasing bureaucracy by implementing gender quotas. The question is raised as to how quotas actually assist a listed company in its operations, highlighting a clear preference for business interests and freedom.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker is vehemently opposed to the regulatory imposition of social equality and justice, stressing the biological and evolutionary differences between men and women. The focus of the social commentary is on gender issues, with the speaker suspecting that the proposed bill is a "Trojan horse" that will eventually lead to demands for the inclusion of 20+ social genders. Regarding gender quotas, it is stressed that this practice degrades those selected under the quota because they are not qualified.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on opposing Draft Amendment 588 SE to the Securities Market Act, which deals with mandating gender balance on the supervisory boards of publicly listed companies. The speaker is a strong opponent of the draft, criticizing it as a freedom-restricting, ideological, and bureaucratic measure. The objective is to prevent the adoption of this regulation, which, in their estimation, will create neither happiness nor justice.
5 Speeches Analyzed