Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
The situation in the country
2025-09-24
15th Estonian Parliament, 6th sitting, press briefing
Political Position
The political stance is fiercely oppositional, centered on the government's failure to control public finances and balance the budget. The speaker highlights the government's low approval ratings and its inadequate response to the economic crisis, placing fiscal responsibility and the protection of low-income workers front and center. The overall critique is primarily aimed at the government's performance and is value-driven, specifically accusing the administration of borrowing at the expense of future generations.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in public finance and tax policy by citing specific figures, such as the 2 billion euro budget deficit and the 0.5 billion euro shortfall resulting from the abolition of the tax hump. They are also up-to-date on specific draft legislation, such as the Consent Act, and are aware of the specific detail regarding the planned 35,000 euro expense for finding the head of the Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely combative, accusatory, and ironic, employing sharp analogies (like a North Korean news broadcast) and hyperbole. The tone towards the government is scornful and critical, emphasizing emotional appeals (such as borrowing at the expense of children) and governmental incompetence. Direct and simplified claims are used to highlight the sheer absurdity of the government’s actions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
No data available
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the prime minister and the government coalition (especially Eesti 200), whose fitness to govern is being called into question. The criticism is intense, focusing both on fiscal policy errors (uncontrolled spending) and ideological initiatives, such as the Law on Consent. No willingness to compromise is evident; instead, the government is being attacked for spreading lies.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
No data available.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strictly on national topics (the Estonian budget, the economic crisis, legislation) and the international context (war, immigration). Local or regional issues are absent.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly fiscally conservative, opposing large budget deficits, borrowing, and uncontrolled government spending. The speaker is firmly against increasing consumption taxes (VAT, car, and property taxes) and eliminating the current progressive tax structure, arguing that these measures place an undue burden on low-income earners and the middle class. The preference is for cutting expenditures rather than raising taxes.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker is strongly conservative on social issues, sharply opposing the consent law as absurd ideological interference in people's bedrooms. He criticizes the government for undermining family cohesion and promoting gender dystopias. Concern is expressed over the increase in immigration and the potential rise in crime that accompanies it, with the government being accused of hypocrisy in its efforts to protect women.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the budget and ensuring the livelihood of the Estonian people, emphasizing that the Riigikogu should be dealing with major issues. The speaker is a strong opponent of the government-initiated consent law, which is viewed as ideological drivel and a waste of resources.
3 Speeches Analyzed