Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
The Situation in the Country
2024-05-08
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional, focusing on the government’s (Kaja Kallas and the Reform Party) incompetence in managing the economy and the violation of the constitutional order regarding education and immigration issues. The speaker emphasizes that the government's actions are unconstitutional, internationalist, and qualify as high treason. These viewpoints are strongly value-based, stressing the protection of the interests of native inhabitants and the state's failure to function properly.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding state budget expenditures, citing specific amounts allocated to communication services (€4.6 million) and "green propaganda" (€340,000). Economic data is also utilized, highlighting Estonia’s negative economic growth in 2024 within the broader European context. Furthermore, knowledge of constitutional law is displayed by accusing the government of violating the constitutional order.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely combative, accusatory, and emotional, employing strong expressions such as "treason," "a crime that never expires," and "brainwashing." The speaker contrasts the government's actions (expensive propaganda) with the real needs of the populace (potholes, police salaries), attempting to paint a picture of government incompetence and dishonesty. Sarcasm is used, accusing the government of being responsible for the frustration people experience when traveling.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the government led by the Reform Party, especially Kaja Kallas and Minister of Education Kristina Kallas, for whom the motion of no confidence failed. The criticism is extremely intense, ranging from political failures (education, economy) to accusations of violating the constitutional order and committing treason. Opponents are also targeted via historical connections (Siim Kallas's communist background) and personal conduct (exceeding their legal authority).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily national (covering constitutional order, the economy, and state institution expenditures) and international (aid to Ukraine and European economic growth). Regionally, concern is mentioned regarding the closure of Estonian rural schools, pointing to worries about rural life and local communities.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints emphasize the need to drastically cut ideological propaganda spending and redirect resources back into social services, police officers' salaries, and infrastructure. The government's economic policy is considered a failure, given that Estonia is the only country in Europe experiencing negative economic growth. Criticism is also directed at the nearly billion-euro aid package to Ukraine, while domestic needs are suffering.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In the social sphere, the focus is placed on national identity and education, sharply contrasting with the transition to Estonian-language education—a shift which the speaker believes will lead to the Russification of Estonian children. There is also strong resistance to uncontrolled immigration, particularly the continued presence of 90,000 Russian-speaking Ukrainian refugees in Estonia, which is draining the resources of the native population and is considered unconstitutional.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is centered on opposing the government's actions, particularly in the context of the motion of no confidence against the Minister of Education, which was ultimately defeated thanks to the coalition's votes. The primary legislative concern relates to the violation of the constitutional order through education and immigration policies, demanding accountability from the government.
2 Speeches Analyzed