Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
2024-01-22
Political Position
The most prominent themes are the restriction of private property freedom (an indirect renovation obligation) and the underfunding of state infrastructure, especially concerning road maintenance. The political position is strongly oppositional toward the government's tax hikes and coercive measures, emphasizing the themes of freedom and the state's capacity for governance. The political framework is primarily value-based (freedom, private property) and results-based (the government's incompetence in managing the economy).
9 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the funding of national infrastructure and road maintenance, highlighting specific deficiencies and the scale of the maintenance backlog (exceeding 4.4 million euros). They utilize statistics and cite media sources (Äripäev, Eesti Ekspress) and official reports (the National Audit Office) to substantiate claims about the decline in road construction. Furthermore, the speaker is informed about the additional strain placed on highways due to the construction of Rail Baltic and wind farms.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is sharply critical and combative, employing irony and highlighting oxymorons (e.g., "freedom is slavery," "tax increases leave people with more disposable income"). The speaker utilizes powerful emotional examples (such as multi-car pile-ups and the degradation of disabled individuals) and directly connects political decisions to the deterioration of people's everyday lives. The tone is frequently sarcastic, expressing profound outrage ("I genuinely don't know whether to laugh or cry").
9 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in plenary sessions, participating in debates and question-and-answer sessions, where they pose sharp and repeated follow-up questions to ministers. They mention the prior submission of an interpellation (May 12, 2023) and participation in the information hour, which demonstrates consistent activity in raising issues pertinent to the opposition.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the government (the Reform Party, Kaja Kallas), the Climate Minister, and "the socialists and leftists," all of whom are accused of poor state management and economic decline. The criticism is intense, focusing on the government's inability to lead the country, the breaking of promises ("taxes will not rise"), and the humiliation of the populace. The government's policy is being referred to as "Tagurpidiantsla."
9 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker refers to their colleagues (Martin Helme, Rene Kokk, Kert Kingo) and their previously stated positions, demonstrating cooperation within the faction. There is no evidence of a willingness to compromise or engage in cross-party cooperation, as the focus remains on sharply opposing the government's policies.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily directed towards rural regions and the decline of rural life, sharply contrasting the situation between urban and rural areas. It is stressed that government policies (such as the proposed car tax) are worsening the circumstances for people living in the countryside and for large families, primarily by restricting their freedom of movement. The text also mentions a comparison regarding the creditworthiness of a pensioner living in Valga.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is vehemently opposed to tax hikes, arguing that they deteriorate people's economic standing and are merely a result of the massive state budget deficit. He criticizes the forced requirement to take out large renovation loans and stresses that the state is incapable of managing the economy or guaranteeing the welfare of its citizens. He supports the right to freely dispose of private property and the ability of individuals to manage their own expenditures.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
When discussing social issues, emphasis is placed on the deterioration of the situation for disabled people and large families due to taxes. There is strong opposition to measures that humiliate people, forcing them to beg for support from the local municipality "with an outstretched hand." Concern about the Russification of Estonian-language education is also mentioned.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary focus is opposing government policies and legislative drafts (such as the car tax and the indirect renovation mandate), which are viewed as restricting freedom. A significant role involves submitting inquiries regarding the underfunding of national infrastructure, demanding that maintenance funding for state roads be restored.
9 Speeches Analyzed