Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
The situation in the country
2025-09-24
15th Estonian Parliament, 6th sitting, press briefing
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional, focusing on the government's financial incompetence (a large budget deficit and borrowing) and ideological socio-political issues. The speaker calls into question the government's fitness to govern and its legitimacy, citing low public support and the disconnect between the government's actions and reality. The focus is heavily directed toward the government's poor performance and value-based criticism.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in state finance and budget matters, using concrete figures such as a budget deficit of nearly two billion euros and 35,000 euros allocated for the search for the head of the Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa). He/She is familiar with specific planned tax increases (VAT, car tax, property tax) and social sector draft legislation, such as the Consent Law. Detailed objections are raised concerning the budget and tax policy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely aggressive, confrontational, and emotional, employing sharp metaphors, such as comparing the government’s actions to a North Korean news broadcast. The speaker expresses outrage and despair, accusing the government of hypocrisy, lying, and borrowing on the backs of children. Specific economic data and statistics are provided to support these emotional appeals.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
No data available.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the government and the prime minister, who are accused of letting finances spiral out of control and engaging in ideological activities that waste time. The criticism is intense and covers both political incompetence (raising 26 taxes) and moral hypocrisy (the alleged party of tax cuts). The coalition partner Eesti 200 is also being attacked, with references made to their lost support.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
No data available
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level, addressing the Estonian budget, the economic crisis, and the well-being of the Estonian people. International topics, such as war and immigration, are also mentioned, but there is no specific regional or local emphasis.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is a strong advocate for fiscal discipline and opposes state expenditures getting out of control, as well as borrowing at the expense of future generations. He criticizes the record increase in the tax burden and argues that abolishing the tax notch is unfair to low-wage earners, as it forces them to pay higher consumption taxes (VAT, car tax, property tax).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker sharply criticizes the government's socio-political agenda, particularly the consent law, which is deemed absurd ideological drivel that undermines family cohesion and sows discord. They also criticize the reduction of family benefits and express concern regarding the introduction of immigration and the associated social risks.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the government's bills, especially regarding tax policy that increases the budget deficit and the consent law that changes social norms. The speaker emphasizes that the Riigikogu should be dealing with the budget and ensuring the well-being of the Estonian people, not ideological issues. He is a strong opponent of abolishing the tax hump.
2 Speeches Analyzed