Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing
2024-04-03
Political Position
The political platform is staunchly anti-government, centered on the alleged incompetent or criminal sale and damage of state assets (Operail, power plants). Emphasis is placed on the government's hypocrisy concerning Russian business dealings and sanctions, alongside criticism of the wasting of taxpayer money. The overall framework is strongly results-oriented and prioritizes the preservation of national wealth.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed awareness of state-owned enterprise sales transactions (Operail's Finnish operations) and privatization processes (Nordica, Estonian Power Plant). Specific financial data (12 million euros) is cited, and reference is made to the specifics of international trade (transportation of nickel and fertilizer, sanctions exceptions). Furthermore, the speaker is knowledgeable about previous privatization attempts (Kross, Ilves).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, accusatory, and inflammatory, employing strong emotional appeals and words such as "criminal," "bungling," and "is being stolen." The speaker contrasts the government's actions with the plight of the taxpayer, emphasizing moral outrage and the damage being inflicted upon the state. Irony is also utilized, referencing the paradoxical outcome of the "values-based deal."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the Riigikogu information hour, posing incisive questions to the Prime Minister. Patterns of activity indicate a response to media coverage (Postimees, Delfi) and issues raised in the press.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Prime Minister and the government, who are criticized for the incompetent management of state assets, hypocrisy, and potential criminal activity. The criticism is political, procedural, and personal, pointing to the scandal involving the Prime Minister's family business and accusations that the government is spreading specific narratives. No possibility of compromise is offered.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative style demonstrates support for a colleague's (Mart Helme) procedural remark regarding staying on topic, which indicates cooperation within the opposition bloc. There is no evidence of seeking compromises with the government or of cross-party cooperation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily national (Estonian state assets, power plants) and international, covering deals with Finnish businessmen and the context of Russia and Ukraine. It also mentions the strengthening of the Russian economy and the hypocrisy of Western nations regarding sanctions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views stress the protection of state property and are vehemently against loss-making privatizations (Operail, Nordica). Tax increases are criticized, with this being linked to the incompetent handling of state finances and the funneling of money abroad. Accountability is demanded for the economic damage caused to the state.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently aimed at the sharp scrutiny and criticism of the government's activities and its privatization plans (Operail, Nordica, power plants). There is a demand for accountability and a legal investigation into transactions that have caused damage to the state, and questions are also being raised regarding the authority to dispose of state assets.
3 Speeches Analyzed