Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Inquiry regarding the promotion of gender equality and equal treatment in private and family life (No. 268)
2024-03-04
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government's legislative actions, particularly regarding interference in private and family life, citing a violation of Article 26 of the Constitution. The main issues of opposition are the car tax, the same-sex marriage law (referred to as the "marriage distortion law"), and the feared "trans law" which would abolish gender-based concepts. The political framework is value-based, emphasizing personal liberty and the inviolability of the traditional family.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of constitutional rights (Section 26) and the government's legislative plans, mentioning specific draft laws such as the "trans law" and the proposed amendments to the Gender Equality Act. Reference is also made to details in documents where the terms "mother" and "father" have been replaced by "person one" and "person two" or "parent one" and "parent two."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal, yet sharply critical and confrontational, particularly in the follow-up question where the minister is directly accused of attempting to lie ("you probably lied"). Highly charged and negative phrases are employed ("the infamous law on the perversion of marriage," "at a strange and odd time"), focusing on values and emotions rather than data analysis.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in parliamentary oversight, submitting and monitoring interpellations (No. 268), which were filed back in May 2023. This pattern of activity demonstrates persistence regarding the government's legislative plans and the scrutiny of the minister’s prior statements.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the current government and the responsible minister, who is criticized for violating constitutional freedoms through interference in private life. The criticism is both political (car tax, marriage law) and personal, directly accusing the minister of untruthful answering regarding the removal of the terms "mother" and "father." No willingness to compromise has been expressed; the position remains strongly antagonistic.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no evidence of cooperation, willingness to compromise, or cross-party activity. The focus is entirely on challenging the actions of the government and the minister.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely at the national level and on the actions of the central government, addressing constitutional rights and nationwide bills. Regional or local topics are not covered.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strong opposition to the car tax is evident in economic viewpoints, as it is considered a fundamental interference in people's private lives and their freedom to decide their own expenditures. Minimal state intervention is preferred regarding personal economic decisions concerning family spending.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In social issues, the speaker holds a strongly conservative position, opposing the same-sex marriage law and fearing a "trans law" that would eliminate gender-based concepts. Emphasis is placed on the need to preserve the traditional concepts of "mother" and "father," and the expansion of gender equality themes "across the entire alphabet" is criticized.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing and scrutinizing government bills concerning private life and social definitions. Particular attention is being paid to plans for amending the Gender Equality Act and the feared "trans law," positioning [the body] as a strong opponent and oversight mechanism for government initiatives. An interpellation was filed regarding the promotion of gender equality in private and family life.
2 Speeches Analyzed