Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-03-06
Political Position
The political position strongly defends the market economy and national values, opposing socialist and market-distorting measures, such as the preferential development of renewable energy through a CO2 tax. They emphasize the exclusive right of the indigenous people (Estonians) to determine Estonian life and politics, and they intensely oppose immigration, especially the introduction of Islamic culture. The viewpoints are predominantly value- and ideology-based, focusing on protecting the cultural sphere and the competitiveness of the economy.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of energy policy and economics, using terms such as "market distortion" and "CO2 price," and referencing the positions held by Kaarel Ots, the head of the Tallinn Stock Exchange. Separate emphasis is placed on the environmental damage accompanying the construction of wind farms (deforestation, concrete foundations, and harm to birds). The speaker is also aware of the opinions of constitutional law experts regarding the draft legislation.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is predominantly confrontational and direct, especially when dealing with social and immigration issues. Strong accusations of hypocrisy are employed, such as the phrase "hypocrisy cubed." At the same time, they manage to remain polite and appreciative toward any minister who explains matters clearly. The style utilizes emotional appeals (indigenous rights, birds being ground up) and sharp analogies ("a broken gramophone").
9 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active throughout the day of the sitting, posing questions regarding draft legislation on economic and energy policy, as well as social and immigration issues. They participate in both the Question Hour and the debates following the presentations of the draft bills, raising both substantive and procedural questions.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the liberals and the social democrats, who are criticized for hypocrisy on the issue of women's rights and for promoting immigration, which leads to cultural conflicts. Criticism is also directed at the Reform Party governments, during whose tenure the Muslim community has grown significantly. The opposition is intense and focuses on both political decisions and conflicts of values.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speeches lack direct references to cooperation with other members of the Riigikogu. However, one minister is praised for their polite and dignified conduct, which suggests a willingness to recognize constructive engagement, even when political viewpoints diverge.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strongly on the national level, emphasizing Estonia's importance as the home and birthplace of the indigenous people. Economic concerns are presented within a national context (the Estonian economy, competitiveness). There are no references to specific local or regional issues.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is a strong advocate for the market economy and competitiveness, opposing any kind of market distortion, especially in the form of a CO2 tax, which takes money "out of the real economy." Concern is expressed over the recession and the failure to collect tax revenues, and socialist economic models are criticized.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Strong opposition to immigration, especially the introduction of Islamic culture, which is associated with domestic violence, discrimination against women (niqab, burqa), and security issues. Emphasis is placed on the right of the indigenous population (Estonians) to decide on their own cultural space and political direction. The issue is framed as a cultural and security threat.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker is active in bill discussions, adopting a critical view of legislation concerning violence against women (which they use as a platform for immigration criticism) and economic issues. They inquire about the financing of costs related to the bills and the opinions of constitutional law experts, generally acting as an opponent or skeptic of the proposed legislation.
9 Speeches Analyzed