Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Draft law amending the Environmental Levies Act (615 SE) – First Reading
2025-06-04
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The speaker strongly opposes the concept of compensation fees, viewing it as an unethical "buyout" and comparing it to purchasing indigenous rights for glass beads. Although the direction of the draft amendment to the Environmental Charges Act is considered correct, the central argument is that haphazard energy projects will result in high network fees and hardship for the entire Estonian people. The political stance is strongly value-based, focusing on morality and the protection of the nation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates in-depth knowledge regarding the environmental impacts of energy projects, highlighting specific issues such as the deforestation of hundreds of hectares and the burying of soil under concrete. Separate emphasis is placed on the danger of microplastic pollution released from wind turbine blades, which affects the soil, air, the respiratory system, and the food supply. This expertise is aimed at clarifying the connections between environmental and health impacts.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, philosophical, and cautionary, placing strong emphasis on a moral and ethical framework (raising the question of how moral or ethical it is to discuss compensation fees). Strong historical analogies (glass beads) and emotionally charged language (nature begins to groan) are used to underscore the severity of social and environmental damages. The style sharply contrasts with official propaganda, which allegedly downplays the problems.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data indicates two speeches delivered on the same date (2025-06-04) during the first reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the Environmental Charges Act.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at the activities of local governments that are selling out the population to energy projects, and more broadly, against the concept of intermittent energy. Separately, attacks are leveled against the propaganda of the Health Board and the views of family doctor Rospu, which allegedly reduce the opposition to wind turbines to mere nervousness, ignoring serious environmental and health impacts.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The speaker focuses on the activities of local governments and the payment of local compensation fees, but stresses that the negative consequences (high network fees and prices) affect the entire Estonian population. Thus, local benefit (compensation fees) is contrasted with national damage.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints are critical of the current energy policy, which is driving up grid tariffs and electricity prices, placing a heavy burden on the entire population. The system of toleration fees is deemed inefficient and unfair, as it does not adequately compensate for the resulting national economic damage.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are tied to public health and social justice. Environmental pollution (microplastics, deforestation) is viewed as a direct threat to the systemic health of society, impacting animals, birds, and human respiratory systems. The payment of land use fees is considered an ethical problem, akin to the deprivation of social rights.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the Draft Act Amending the Environmental Charges Act (Bill 615 SE). The speaker is utilizing the debate surrounding the bill as a platform to raise broader ethical issues and concerns regarding environmental damage associated with the principle of compensation for restrictions.
2 Speeches Analyzed