Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
The Situation in the Republic of Estonia
2024-01-10
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional, centering on the government's incompetence and its complete lack of grasp of reality, with the situation even being compared to the Soviet era. The primary issues addressed are the opposition to tax increases (specifically the car tax and property tax) and support for the teachers' strike. Criticism targets both specific policies (agriculture, security) and the government's integrity (lying both before and after the elections). The speaker places the will of the people above the will of the government, demanding the prime minister's resignation.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates awareness of current political crises, particularly the teachers' strike, tax hikes, and the scandal involving the Prime Minister's family's eastern logistics business. Public opinion poll data is utilized to highlight the government's unpopularity, citing the number of signatures collected (77,000) and the trust ratings (40% concerning e-voting). Deep technical or economic analysis is lacking, with the focus remaining instead on political critique and public sentiment.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely combative, accusatory, and confrontational, employing strong emotional appeals and irony (e.g., "It's embarrassing to read things like this," "Do you even have a brain?"). The speaker employs historical comparisons (the Soviet era) to illustrate the divergence between government statistics and reality. The speech concludes with sarcastic quotes that ridicule the prime minister's alleged condescending attitude toward the populace.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Speeches were delivered during the Riigikogu session (addressed to the Prime Minister and the Speaker), indicating active participation in parliamentary proceedings. The speaker carefully monitors public opinion, social media reactions (specifically mentioning Family Doctor Joller), and the government's action plan (the drafting of the RES). This pattern of activity includes continuous criticism of the government's work and serving as the mouthpiece for public discontent.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is directed at the Prime Minister and the government, who face criticism regarding both policy matters (tax hikes, agriculture, security) and personal ethics (the 'East cargo' scandal, lying). The criticism is intense, demanding the Prime Minister's resignation and citing the will of the people. Furthermore, pro-government figures (such as family doctor Joller) are criticized for attacking teachers, and Riigikogu committees are criticized for ignoring public appeals.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly national, covering the activities of the Government of the Republic of Estonia, the economy, and security. Russian sanctions and eastern transit are mentioned, as well as the handover of defensive weaponry, but there is no specific regional or local emphasis.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is strongly opposed to tax increases, particularly the car tax and the property tax, arguing that they burden people who are already paying high interest rates. The economic policy is criticized as foolish and unsustainable because it attempts to raise wages by taxing the very same people. Furthermore, the government is accused of driving away investments due to its security policy.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social sector is focusing on education, supporting the teachers' strike and defending them against the government's accusations that they do not care about children. The speaker criticizes the government's attitude toward teachers, who are working themselves to the breaking point, and faults the government for prioritizing social topics (such as marriage equality) over more pressing issues.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker opposes the government's tax legislation (car tax, property tax) and criticizes the Riigikogu committees for failing to process public petitions. The drafting of the State Budget Strategy (RES) is mentioned as a crucial political timeframe, during which teachers have the opportune moment to present their demands.
4 Speeches Analyzed