Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Second reading of the Draft Act amending the Building Code and other Acts (Acceleration of the Deployment of Renewable Energy) (308 SE)
2024-05-15
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to the government's renewable energy policy, particularly the construction of offshore wind farms, which are deemed "insane ideology" and merely the promotion of someone's massive business interests. The core focus is value-based, emphasizing the protection of the rights of nature, the environment, local communities, and wildlife against the government's "recklessness." The speaker accuses the government of forcibly implementing its ideology and driving the Estonian people into poverty.
78 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge concerning the negative environmental impacts of wind parks, specifically highlighting the death of migratory birds (which they refer to as "meat grinders"), the destruction of habitats, and the disposal issues related to turbine materials (concrete, fiberglass). Furthermore, security-related restrictions imposed on fishermen and maritime businesses operating in wind farm areas are emphasized. This knowledge is primarily focused on environmental and economic critique.
78 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely combative, emotional, and alarming, utilizing strongly negative and condemnatory terms such as "mad ideology," "brutally polluting nature," and "horrifying monsters." It appeals to emotions by describing the death of birds and the destruction of the environment, accusing opponents of greed and cynicism. The style is confrontational and aims to provoke moral outrage.
78 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is extremely active in the Riigikogu session, employing obstruction tactics, repeatedly demanding the suspension of the reading and calling for votes on countless amendments. Additionally, 10-minute recesses are repeatedly requested, which demonstrates a pattern of systematically obstructing the legislative process.
78 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is intense and is aimed at the government, "green ideologues," and "wind turbine businessmen," who are accused of acting solely for the sake of lobbying and massive profits. The criticism is both political (destruction of the environment) and personal/procedural, citing the prime minister's previous lobbying ties and the government's negligence. Compromise is ruled out, as a proposal has been made to halt the second reading of the draft bill.
78 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation is visible within the faction (EKRE), on whose behalf a proposal is made to suspend the reading. Discussion with Mart Helme during the break is also mentioned. There is a complete lack of any sign of readiness for cooperation or compromise with the governing coalition, focusing instead on procedural confrontation.
78 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The emphasis is placed on Estonia's coastal areas and the sea, where wind farms are planned, and the resulting impact they will have on local communities, municipalities, and fishermen. The broader European context concerning migratory bird flight paths is also mentioned, but the primary focus remains on protecting the domestic living environment.
78 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views express strong criticism towards large renewable energy projects, which are deemed "horrendously expensive" and are expected to plunge the Estonian people into energy and general poverty. It is stressed that these projects only serve the interests of "massive corporations," waste natural resources, and generate electricity that is exported from Estonia, while the pollution remains here. Support is given to protecting the rights of local entrepreneurs (fishermen).
78 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Regarding social issues, emphasis is placed on the government's disregard for the opinions and rights of local communities and individuals. The speaker criticizes the "trampling on the rights of people, animals, birds, and even the smallest living components of the ecosystem." This is directly linked to the impact of environmental projects on the living environment.
78 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on the opposition to Bill 308 SE (accelerating the deployment of renewable energy), which necessitates amendments to the Building Code and other legislation. The speaker is an active opponent who is proposing the suspension of the second reading and systematically demanding a vote on every single amendment in an effort to obstruct the passage of the law.
78 Speeches Analyzed