Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Interpellation concerning the enhancement of the wartime indirect fire capability of the Defense Forces (No. 72)
2024-01-15
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session.
Political Position
The political position is in strong opposition to the government's defense policy, especially concerning the transfer of weaponry (artillery) to Ukraine. The speaker stresses that although Ukraine is fighting on our behalf, the handover of weapons without adequate replacement has led to the weakening of Estonia's defense capability. This viewpoint is outcome-based, focusing on the quantitative deficit ("more has been given away than has been received in return").
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of defense forces equipment and procurement, using specific numbers regarding towed artillery systems (24 systems) and systems that have been given away (67). Reference is also made to the K9 systems and their arrival timeline (2025–2026), which emphasizes technical expertise on the subject of indirect fire capability.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is sharply critical and cautionary, employing sarcasm to justify the government's actions ("Ukraine is fighting for us, and that's why we are giving away our weapons"). A simple but powerful metaphor is used to explain the security threats: giving away the door, only to have a tank drive straight through afterward. The address is straightforward and centers on a logical contrast (the quantities given away versus the quantities received in replacement).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The address was delivered as part of an interpellation (No. 72), which indicates active involvement in the parliamentary scrutiny of the government's defense policy and the utilization of inquiry mechanisms.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the government, whose defense policy is accused of weakening Estonia’s defense capability and misleading the public ("You said the situation is better than before"). The criticism is policy- and results-based, calling into question the government's claims regarding the improvement of defense capability. The intensity is high, indicating a direct security threat.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national security (specifically, the shortfall in Estonia's defense capabilities) and the international context (the war in Ukraine and military aid). Specific local or regional Estonian issues are not discussed.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on scrutinizing and criticizing the government's policy regarding the supply of the defense forces, which is expressed through the submission of an interpellation concerning indirect fire capability. The speaker acts as an opponent and supervisor of the government's activities.
1 Speeches Analyzed