Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Draft law amending the Nature Conservation Act, the Hunting Act, and the State Property Act (612 SE) – First Reading
2025-05-15
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The politician is voicing strong opposition to the amendments to the Nature Conservation Act (612 SE), arguing that they pose a threat to private property rights and would saddle the state with enormous compensation liabilities. This position is driven by concern over preserving the value of personal assets and ensuring the state's financial accountability. The political framework is heavily geared toward the protection of private property and fiscal responsibility.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in private forestry and assessing the market value of timberland, offering specific financial ranges (€70,000–€100,000). They use technical terms such as "forestry notice" (metsateatis) and discuss compensation rates (50% versus 100%), highlighting their knowledge of market prices.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is anxious, emotional, and at times sarcastic, expressing fear of losing one's property. The speaker draws on personal experience as a private forest owner and poses sharp rhetorical questions ("What is wrong with you?!") to highlight the absurdity of the draft bill. The tone is predominantly combative and critical.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participated in the first reading of Bill 612 SE, immediately responding to concerns raised by other members of parliament (e.g., Priit Sibul).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong criticism has been leveled at the bill's supporters, who are accused of acting against national interests and saddling the state with enormous financial liabilities. The criticism is substantive, highlighting the policy's potentially nationalizing character and unfair compensation mechanisms.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on broad national legislation (the Nature Conservation Act) and private property rights, which concern forest owners across Estonia. Specific regional projects or local communities are not emphasized.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It strongly supports private property rights and demands compensation based on market price in the event of state acquisition or placement under state protection. It is critical of excessive state intervention, which generates large budgetary costs, and favors forest management through private enterprise.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is opposition to Draft Bill 612 SE, which concerns amendments to the Nature Conservation Act, the Hunting Law, and the State Property Act. Specifically, the priority is ensuring the fairness of compensation mechanisms when private forests are placed under protection.
3 Speeches Analyzed