Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, plenary sitting.
2025-09-24
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the Rail Baltic project, viewing it as a pointless and inefficient investment of funds. It is emphasized that the priority should be the development of the domestic railway network (the Haapsalu, Pärnu, and Tartu lines). This stance is results-based, focusing on the project’s actual benefits, management errors, and the lack of clarity regarding security aspects.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise on the topic of infrastructure projects, especially the development and financing of the railway network (EU funds, fines). Specific questions were raised regarding the project's security aspects and the involvement of defense sector experts in the committee session. Reference was also made to the example of Ukraine concerning infrastructure vulnerability during wartime.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is critical, skeptical, and demanding, utilizing irony (the Berlin opera versus Häädemeeste) to highlight the project's failures. Numerous rhetorical questions are employed to cast doubt on the project's economic and security rationale. The tone is formal, yet it includes an emotional appeal ("The Estonian people would like to know").
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data indicates significant activity during the plenary session, specifically concerning questions posed to the rapporteur regarding the Rail Baltic project. All interventions occurred on the same date, suggesting a concentrated focus on that particular agenda item.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is directed at the Reform Party, which is accused of project mismanagement and setting misplaced priorities. The criticism is political and procedural, particularly concerning the failure to involve security experts and the project's lack of tangible benefits. The confrontation is intense, with the project being directly labeled as pointless.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is insufficient data. The speaker is operating in the role of an interrogator, which in this context is rather confrontational and does not suggest cooperation with other political parties.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is on Estonia's domestic infrastructure, emphasizing the need to develop the Haapsalu, Pärnu, and Tartu rail links in preference to Rail Baltic. Place names associated with the Rail Baltic route are also mentioned, such as Häädemeeste and the Ikla border checkpoint.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives emphasize the need to divert funds away from wasteful projects and invest in domestic infrastructure that would yield greater benefits. Concern is expressed regarding the inefficient use of EU funding and potential fines should Latvia fail to meet its obligations.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
When discussing social issues, travel opportunities are highlighted as a key justification for EU membership, and the failure of this promise regarding Rail Baltic is causing disappointment. The security aspect is being considered strictly from a national defense perspective, rather than in the context of civil liberties.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the critical assessment of the Rail Baltic project and its financing, as well as demanding accountability. The speaker is acting as an opponent, demanding clarification regarding the commission's work and the consideration of security aspects, especially concerning the involvement of defense sector experts.
3 Speeches Analyzed