Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu "Proposal to the Republic of Estonia's Government to abandon the implementation of the Rail Baltic project in Estonia and to withdraw from all international agreements related to the project" (650 OE)
2025-09-24
Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, plenary sitting.
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to the current implementation of the Rail Baltic project, labeling it as senseless. The speaker stresses the necessity of directing resources toward developing the domestic rail network (e.g., the Haapsalu, Pärnu, and Tartu lines), prioritizing national benefit over the international undertaking. This position seeks to call into question the project's actual utility and financial expediency.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the financial risks associated with infrastructure projects (EU fines if Latvia fails to fulfill its obligations) and the development of the domestic railway network. Security aspects are also addressed, drawing a comparison with the vulnerability of infrastructure observed during the war in Ukraine. Specific questions are raised concerning the involvement of defense sector experts in the committee meetings.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical and questioning, using irony (Berlin opera vs. Häädemeeste opera house) to highlight the project's limited benefit. The speaker relies on both logical arguments (financial risks, prioritizing the domestic network) and an appeal to security concerns. The tone is formal, but contains sharp criticism regarding the project's futility.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The activities are limited to participation in the first reading of the draft bill concerning the Rail Baltic project at the Riigikogu session. There is no information available regarding other events or public appearances.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is directed against the Reform Party-led government, which is responsible for implementing the Rail Baltic project. The criticism is policy-based and procedural, calling into question the project's expediency, financial management, and the inadequate analysis of security aspects. The project is being intensely labeled as "pointless" and wasteful.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is directed toward developing the domestic rail network, emphasizing the routes to Haapsalu, Pärnu, and Tartu. At the same time, attention is also paid to the border points and destinations of the international project (Ikla, Latvia, Häädemeeste) due to the limited actual scope of the project.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints stress the need to use European Union and state funds for developing domestic infrastructure to achieve greater benefit, as opposed to Rail Baltic. Strong opposition is voiced against allocating funds to a project that does not yield sufficient economic or social return.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among social issues, the freedom of travel is briefly addressed as an argument for EU membership, but this point is dismissed in the context of Rail Baltic. Furthermore, the right of the Estonian people to be informed about the security aspects and the actual benefits of the project is also emphasized.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the draft resolution of the Riigikogu (650 OE), which addresses abandoning the Rail Baltic project. The speaker is a strong opponent of the project's current implementation and demands procedural clarity regarding committee sessions and the involvement of security experts.
3 Speeches Analyzed