Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Inquiry on Immigration (No. 133)
2024-01-15
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session.
Political Position
The political focus is heavily directed toward immigration, which is treated as an existential threat to Estonian nationhood and demographic composition. The speaker expresses strong opposition to the current pace of immigration, especially from CIS and Slavic-speaking countries, stressing the need to protect constitutional values. The stance is value-based, warning that immigrants could seize control from the country’s native inhabitants and impose their own constitution.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in immigration statistics by citing specific PPA (Police and Border Guard Board) data regarding the number of fixed-term residence permits (under 36,000) and temporary protection applicants (almost 51,000). He/She uses percentage figures (2.6% and 3.7%) to describe the proportion of the population and links immigration to the burden on the state budget and the social system.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is insistent, anxious, and highly confrontational, especially towards the prime minister, who is accused of making empty promises and exaggerating figures. The speaker uses both statistical data and emotional imagery (e.g., "fifth column," "Pskov or St. Petersburg shopping center") to emphasize the threat to the nation-state. To support a specific argument, an audio clip from the event at Town Hall Square was played back.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker's pattern of activity involves submitting inquiries to the Riigikogu, specifically referencing the interpellation concerning immigration that was filed in May of last year. The address itself is being delivered as part of the response to that inquiry, during which follow-up questions are being asked.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the prime minister and the government, who are being criticized for underestimating immigration figures, the lack of border control, and their inability to maintain order. The criticism is intense, accusing the government of duplicity and a failure to uphold shared fundamental values, citing the pro-Russian celebration in the Town Hall Square as a prime example.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data. The speaker addresses the EKRE representatives, but makes no reference to cooperation with other parties or a willingness to compromise.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily national (the Estonian people, the state budget) and international, concentrating on immigration from CIS and Slavic-speaking countries and the lack of control within the European Union. Tallinn is mentioned as an example (Town Hall Square, shopping centers) to illustrate cultural division.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views center on fiscal discipline, emphasizing that immigration puts a strain on the national budget and the social security system. The speaker notes that paying benefits to immigrants, along with healthcare and education costs, already accounts for a significant portion of the national budget.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The central social problem is immigration, which is viewed as a source of linguistic and cultural conflicts, thereby increasing social tensions and security risks. The speaker emphasizes the expansion of the Slavic/Russian language and warns that different cultures cannot be forcibly united, especially when the indigenous population is reduced to a minority. He criticizes the government's failure to uphold common fundamental values, referencing pro-Russian demonstrations.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on holding the government accountable through interpellations, which aim to elicit clear answers regarding immigration policy and the future of the nation-state. Specific reference is made to Inquiry No. 133, which was submitted to the Prime Minister in May of last year.
5 Speeches Analyzed