Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
2024-03-04
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government’s tax policy, particularly regarding the car tax, which is viewed as causing economic recession and effectively negating social benefits. The speaker emphasizes the restriction of freedoms and coercive governance, calling into question the constitutionality of the government's actions. This position is strongly value-based, defending private property and the inviolability of private life against state intervention.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the Constitution, referencing the provisions of § 56 (supreme power of the people) and § 26 (inviolability of private life) to bolster their opposition to the car tax and state intervention. The argumentation utilizes specific public opinion survey data from the Institute for Societal Studies (showing 76% opposition to the car tax). Public sector jobs and their effect on the economy are also topics of discussion.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative, critical, and accusatory, often employing rhetorical questions ("what world are you people living in?") and irony. Strong historical comparisons are utilized, linking the government’s coercive policies to communist and totalitarian regimes. The speaker directly accuses the government of lying (specifically regarding the abolition of the terms "mother" and "father").
9 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in plenary sessions, asking questions and debating the motor vehicle tax bill, and responding to an interpellation concerning the inviolability of private life. The context of a previous interpellation, submitted in May 2023, is mentioned, demonstrating consistency in bringing certain topics to the fore.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party and the governing coalition, who are accused of poor economic management, unconstitutional activity, and the use of totalitarian methods. The criticism is intense, accusing the government of forcing people to manage their own spending, and highlighting the communist background of Reform Party members.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Information regarding the willingness to cooperate is unavailable. The coalition partner Eesti 200's concept of a personalized state is being used rhetorically in an ironic proposal to impose a car tax exclusively on supporters of the Reform Party, which signals a lack of cooperation and clear antagonism.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national issues, such as Estonia's economic recession, the vehicle fleet, and constitutional questions. New jobs created in the Ministry of Climate are mentioned in the context of criticism leveled against the national economic policy. Specific regional or local topics are absent.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic perspective is strongly opposed to tax hikes, particularly the car tax, arguing that it effectively cancels out social benefits and deepens the recession. Emphasis is placed on the inviolability of private property, and the creation of public sector jobs (such as those in the Ministry of Climate) is criticized as an activity that yields no economic benefit. The government's actions are described as "one step forward and two steps back."
9 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In social matters, the inviolability of private and family life is defended against state intervention, with reference made to the Distortion of Marriage Act and the car tax as restrictions on fundamental freedoms. Deep concern is expressed regarding the potential loss of the gender-based concepts of "mother" and "father" and the possible introduction of the "trans law," which is viewed as an attack on traditional values and the effective nullification of gender equality.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the car tax bill and scrutinizing government activities through interpellations concerning constitutional rights and the inviolability of private life. The development of social sector bills, such as amendments to the Gender Equality Act and the "trans law," is also being monitored, while maintaining strong opposition to these initiatives.
9 Speeches Analyzed