Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
A written request for a vote of no confidence in Justice and Digital Minister Liisa-Ly Pakostale, submitted by 42 members of the Riigikogu.
2025-06-12
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional regarding the government’s activities, focusing on the crisis in justice and internal security, as well as high unemployment. The sharpest opposition is directed at the importation of convicted murderers into Estonia and the government’s large-scale plan to bring in foreign labor. The criticism is primarily aimed at the government’s poor performance and a fundamental dissonance in values.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of unemployment statistics (over 64,000) and the number of new jobs related to prisons (400). He/She is also familiar with specific crimes and problems within the justice system, such as deficiencies in probation services and the reasons why prisons are emptying out. He/She references specific cases, including the Lehtme million-theft and the Pihlakodu rapes.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, accusatory, and emotional, repeatedly employing the term "trolling" to characterize the minister's actions. Irony and sarcasm are utilized, for instance, when referring to the importation of prisoners as a "nationally beneficial educational project" or a "source of security." The appeals highlight the catastrophic condition of the justice system (described as "out of hand") and the minister's childish expressions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
No information is available regarding the frequency, pattern, or other public activities outside the scope of the current motion of no confidence.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary adversary is the Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs, Liisa-Ly Pakosta, along with the government as a whole. The criticism is intense, focusing both on political decisions (the import of prisoners, foreign labor) and personal conduct (trolling the public, self-justification). There is no readiness for compromise; the attacks are sharp and personal.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
No data available
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Southern Estonia is in focus, where there is skepticism regarding the government's claims that importing prisoners will help reduce unemployment there and that the necessary 400 qualified workers can be found locally.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Expresses concern over the high unemployment rate (over 64,000) and strongly opposes the government’s plan to bring in large numbers of foreign workers. Doubts are raised regarding the economic benefit of importing prisoners, and the claim that Estonia will start "milking" the Swedish taxpayer is ridiculed.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among social issues, security and the failures of the justice system are front and center, citing as examples the rape of a minor and the importation of convicted murderers. It is stressed that the system is "completely out of hand," and there is strong opposition to bringing in criminals.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on opposing justice and labor policies, acting as a strong opponent to the government’s plans concerning the importation of prisoners and the use of foreign labor. Specific bills or legislative initiatives are not mentioned; instead, the criticism targets existing activities and their consequences.
3 Speeches Analyzed