Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme

The political stance is fiercely oppositional, centered on criticizing the government’s actions and specific ministers (Kallas, Pakosta, Riisalo). Key issues include the shortcomings of the education reform (teacher workload, school closures), the plan to lease out prison capacity, and tax policy (specifically, lowering the VAT rate). This position is both value-driven (for instance, protecting national security and the education system) and procedural, stressing the necessity of improving the operational procedures of the Riigikogu (Parliament).

The speaker demonstrates authority in the knowledge of the Riigikogu’s (Estonian Parliament's) rules of procedure and procedural regulations, repeatedly submitting well-reasoned proposals for changing the agenda and resolving procedural issues. Substantive topics highlighted include education policy (teacher workload, inclusive education, the merging of special educational needs (SEN) schools) and areas falling under the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of the Interior (the leasing of prison places and entries in the population register). The interpellations are detailed and contain specific questions regarding impact assessments and legislative compliance.

The style is predominantly formal and procedural, but it includes criticism and ironic remarks aimed at the government's activities, particularly concerning how the agenda is drawn up. Strong expressions are employed (e.g., "categorical imperative"), and public concerns are highlighted (e.g., school closures, imported prisoners). The criticism is frequently aimed at the lack of substantive responses during information sessions, urging ministers to provide meaningful answers rather than relying on boilerplate phrases.

Highly active in Riigikogu plenary sessions, especially during agenda debates and when dealing with procedural matters. Regularly submits interpellations to ministers (Kallas, Pakosta, Taro) and, on behalf of the faction, makes proposals to amend the agenda, remove specific items, or vote against extending the session. Also addresses the issue of security for Riigikogu members.

The primary targets of opposition are the government and the coalition parties, who face criticism both for their substantive decisions (such as the import of prisoners and the closure of schools) and for the organization and procedure of the Riigikogu (Parliament). The criticism is intense, specifically accusing the government of rushing legislation through and concealing information from the public (for instance, concerning the prisoner issue). Furthermore, coalition MPs (Alender, Svet) are being criticized for disregarding the constitution and for proposing ideas to classify draft legislation.

Cooperation occurs exclusively within its own parliamentary group (EKRE), submitting interpellations and draft laws on behalf of the group or its members. There are no references to a willingness to compromise or cooperate with other political parties, with the exception of calls made to the opposition and the "new old" government to support the VAT Act bill initiated by EKRE.

The focus is directed at the problems facing rural areas, specifically concerning the closure of small rural schools and supporting the freedom of rural micro and small enterprises to operate in the market. The financing of the Haapsalu railway is also mentioned, highlighting the contribution made by the EKREIKE government.

Strongly supports lowering taxes to stimulate the economy, having submitted a draft bill to amend the Value Added Tax Act to reduce VAT on domestic food products. It argues that this measure would increase VAT revenue collected into the state budget and would provide a legal framework for micro and small enterprises in rural areas.

It focuses on social and value issues, taking a strong stand against liberal gender identity ideologies and the registration of names that do not correspond to one's sex/gender. It expresses concern regarding the merging of schools for children with special educational needs and highlights the risk, present in the draft Child Protection Act, of allowing pedophiles to work with children. It also raises the issue of the safety and security of Riigikogu members in connection with the behavior of a colleague in a public place.

The main focus is on submitting interpellations to ministers (regarding education reform, the rental of prison spaces, and name changes) and scrutinizing the government's activities. [He/She/It] initiated Bill 596, which proposed amending the VAT Act to lower the sales tax on foodstuffs, but later requested that the bill be removed from the agenda. [He/She/It] is actively working on proposals to amend the Riigikogu's agenda and procedural rules.