Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic for Amending the Basic Schools and Upper Secondary Schools Act" (279 OE)
2024-04-03
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is centered on national security and demographic sustainability, expressing strong concern over the impact of mass immigration (6% of the population) on the survival of the Estonian nation. The speaker criticizes the prevailing narrative that demands continuous focus on the situation in Ukraine, especially while the Russification of Ukrainian children is simultaneously occurring in Estonia. This position is strongly value-based, emphasizing the priority of ensuring the continued existence of the Estonian people.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the fields of education and demography, utilizing specific statistical data regarding the number of Ukrainian war refugees and the placement of their children in Estonian schools. Precise figures are presented for minors (18,812) and children studying in Russian schools (3,762, or every fifth child), to support claims of Russification.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, concerned, and at times accusatory, especially when dealing with Russification and mass immigration. Statistical data are used to support emotional and national appeals (e.g., anguish, the survival of the people). The style is formal, but includes sharp rhetorical questions that challenge political priorities.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participated in the Riigikogu session on April 3, 2024, presenting questions and proposals concerning the draft amendment to the Education Act. This pattern of activity demonstrates active intervention in the legislative debate, supported by specific data and proposals.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at the prevailing political stance, which stresses the mandatory daily concern regarding the situation in Ukraine, and criticizes the presenter’s (Heljo’s) assertion that there is no need to worry about Ukrainian demography. The criticism is also directed at the current practice within the Estonian education system that permits the Russification of Ukrainian children.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker demonstrates standard parliamentary courtesy in thanking the rapporteur, but uses this platform for immediate substantive objection and criticism. A concrete solution is proposed (the creation of an opportunity to teach the Ukrainian language), which indicates a desire to create practical legislative solutions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on international issues (Russia's actions in Ukraine, war refugees) and domestic national matters (the sustainability of the Estonian population, the education system). Specific attention to local or regional projects is lacking.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Socially, the dominant themes are education, integration, and immigration. The speaker views immigration as a threat to the survival of the Estonian nation and demands active measures to halt the Russification of Ukrainian children in Estonian schools. The preferred solution involves teaching Ukrainian language and culture to Ukrainian children whose mother tongue is Russian.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on the draft amendment to the Basic School and Upper Secondary School Act (Bill 279 OE). The speaker proposes establishing a legal provision that would allow the teaching of the Ukrainian language in Estonia to Ukrainian children whose mother tongue is Russian, thereby supporting their integration into the Ukrainian cultural sphere.
3 Speeches Analyzed