Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, press briefing
2024-03-06
Political Position
The political position is fiercely antagonistic toward the government's energy policy, particularly the phasing out of oil shale energy and the promotion of renewables (wind, solar). The core issue is maintaining national energy independence, with the government being accused of the theft and destruction of state assets. This stance is strongly value-driven, emphasizing national sovereignty and economic stability.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the fields of energy and financial accounting, citing specific figures (around 360 million) and percentages (the 42% CO2 price). Emphasis is placed on the crucial role of oil shale energy in guaranteeing security of supply, and renewable energy is criticized, being labeled as "pseudoscience." Technical terms such as "accounting trick" and "market distortion" are employed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely aggressive, accusatory, and dramatic, employing strong emotional phrases such as "pure theft" and "folly." Alongside logical arguments, personal allusions are used to discredit opponents (e.g., the role of the prime minister's lawyer, citing the Barbie movie) and cultural parallels ("Fools of Fame"). The overall tone is condemnatory and cautionary.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and the government, who are accused of destroying state assets and promoting personal business interests (wind energy). The criticism is intense, ranging from the political level to the personal, calling into question the Prime Minister's motives and intellectual capacity. The government's policy is being called "the greatest folly of the 21st century."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The data is insufficient.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strongly connected to the oil shale energy sector, indicating concern over the socio-economic situation in Ida-Viru County. Emphasis is placed on the risk of thousands of people losing their jobs—people who are currently performing "dignified work."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives stress the preservation of state assets and are strongly opposed to CO2 taxes, which are viewed as a market distortion and a destroyer of the existing, functioning system. They support stable, existing energy production (oil shale) and warn against the abnormally high costs and unsustainability of renewable energy projects.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are linked to the socio-economic dimension of energy policy, emphasizing the threat of thousands of job losses and the accompanying, unfathomable damage. There is also widespread criticism regarding the intellectual level of the political elite and climate hysteria.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on opposing the government’s actions (the write-off and potential liquidation of Eesti Energia assets) and preserving the existing cornerstone of independent energy. The objective is to prevent the state-owned company from being sold off for a pittance.
2 Speeches Analyzed