Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
The Situation in the Republic of Estonia
2024-03-06
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, press briefing
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government’s energy policy, particularly concerning the decommissioning of Eesti Energia’s oil shale boilers. This move is being characterized as a 360 million euro theft and the destruction of state assets. The main goal is to preserve the fundamental pillar of independent oil shale energy and prevent the state-owned enterprise from being sold off for a pittance. The policy is heavily framed by the values of national independence and economic defense.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed awareness of Eesti Energia's accounting decisions and the cost structure of oil shale energy, emphasizing the 42% share of the CO2 price as a market distortion. Technical terms are used in the discussion of energy to criticize wind and solar power as pseudo-science and a non-functioning system.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely combative and accusatory, utilizing strong emotional terms such as "theft," "destroy," and "folly." Logical arguments (the price of CO2, economic impact) are mixed with personal attacks and cultural references (Barbie, Greta Thunberg) to belittle the political elite and climate policy. Literary references ("Kuulsuse narrid") are employed to emphasize the political narrative.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data is limited to two speeches made on a single day, indicating active participation in the Riigikogu debate against the Prime Minister, focusing on energy issues.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed squarely at Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and the ruling political elite. The attacks are both political—specifically citing the destruction of the energy sector—and personal, often referencing Kallas's prior lobbying work on the boards of wind energy companies. The policy itself is being labeled "madness" and a "disgrace," completely ruling out any possibility of approval.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The emphasis is on national energy independence, but the socio-economic dimension is also highlighted, referencing the risk of thousands of people losing their jobs due to the phasing out of oil shale energy. This suggests an indirect focus on the oil shale regions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views are strongly focused on preserving state assets and protecting existing industries. They oppose the CO2 tax, viewing it as a market distortion, and criticize renewable energy, arguing that it neither ensures prosperity nor stimulates economic growth. Climate policy is accused of taking an abnormally large amount of money out of people's pockets.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are connected to the socio-economic dimension of energy policy, highlighting the immense risk of thousands of job losses, the scale of which is staggering.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on opposing government decisions concerning the write-off and potential liquidation or sale of Eesti Energia's assets. The goal is to prevent the destruction of the pillar of independent energy, rather than initiating new laws.
2 Speeches Analyzed