Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Inquiry Regarding the Future of Estonian Agriculture (No. 730)
2025-05-19
15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
Political Position
The political position focuses on the crisis of competitiveness in Estonian agriculture, a crisis caused by European green policy and the lack of negotiation skills among Estonian governments. The speaker is strongly opposed to the "larger climate goals" adopted by Kaja Kallas’s government, considering them catastrophic for the sector. The position is highly critical of both the current government’s actions and the failures of historical negotiations.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the European Union's agricultural support system and the impact of green policy directives on the sector's competitiveness. He uses terms such as the "pre-green transition support system" and highlights the disadvantageous position of Estonian farmers compared to the larger buffer held by other countries. The expertise focuses on the economic consequences of these policy mechanisms.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely critical, pessimistic, and accusatory, stressing that agriculture has been driven "to the brink of catastrophe" and "to its knees." Strong emotional appeals are employed, targeting the incompetence of the government and the negotiators. The speech concludes with a rhetorical question concerning the absence of hope, which underscores the urgency of the situation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is too little data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are Kaja Kallas’s government, which is criticized for adopting overly ambitious climate targets, and previous Estonian negotiators involved in the country’s accession to the European Union. The criticism is intense and centers on political failure and the inability to protect Estonian interests when negotiating both subsidies and directives.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is too little data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the situation of Estonian agriculture at the national level, placing it within the broader context of the European Union and international green policy. Emphasis is placed on the lack of competitiveness among Estonian farmers and the unfavorable situation they face compared to other EU member states.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly focused on protecting the competitiveness of the agricultural sector, opposing regulations (green policies) that are driving the sector to the brink of disaster. Criticism is leveled at the unequal subsidy system within the EU, and there is a demand for better national protection of the domestic sector’s interests.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is too little data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on the negative impact of existing directives and the government's climate goals, rather than initiating or supporting specific legislative bills. The speaker is critical of the established regulations and the commitments Estonia has undertaken.
1 Speeches Analyzed