Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd sitting, plenary session
2024-04-03
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional, centering on accusations that the ruling party (the Reform Party) is creating a power vertical and politically manipulating the justice system (specifically the office of the Prosecutor General). The framework is heavily value-based, stressing themes of honesty, parliamentary dignity, and the survival of the nation in the context of mass immigration. The speaker expresses concern that the ruling party views its power as absolute.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of how the justice system operates, especially concerning the relationship between the Minister of Justice and the Prosecutor's Office, as well as the history of appointing Prosecutors General. Furthermore, he utilizes specific statistical data regarding the number of Ukrainian war refugees and minors in Estonia, highlighting the problems affecting their education sector (specifically, Russification). His expertise is also evident in his familiarity with parliamentary rules of procedure and the role of the session chair.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is predominantly combative, accusatory, and confrontational, especially towards the Reform Party and the co-presenters. Strong emotional appeals are employed, alongside accusations of lying, mocking, and arrogant behavior ("cackling," "outright lies"). The tone is formal yet passionate, focusing on highlighting the ethical and procedural shortcomings of the opponents.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active during the plenary session, repeatedly posing questions to rapporteurs and co-rapporteurs and interjecting with points of order. This pattern of engagement demonstrates a strong commitment to the debate and to immediately correcting opponents' statements. All interventions originate from a single day of the session.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party, which is accused of abusing power, politicizing the prosecutor's office, and implementing the "telephone law." The criticism is intense and ranges from political issues (the power vertical) to procedural and personal attacks (lying, ridicule). No willingness to compromise is evident; instead, the focus is on confrontation and the unethical behavior of opponents.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Information regarding cooperation with colleagues or other political parties is absent, apart from a reference to the role of Isamaa in the previous appointment of the Prosecutor General. The speaker’s style in this context is purely confrontational and focuses on criticizing the opposing side.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily national (addressing issues within the Estonian justice system and demography) and international (covering the situation of Ukrainian war refugees and Russia’s activities). There is no specific local or regional focus.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Data on economic positions (taxes, budget, regulations) are lacking.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker expresses strong concern regarding mass immigration and its impact on the survival of the Estonian nation. In the area of education, emphasis is placed on the need to prevent the Russification of Ukrainian children in Estonian Russian-language schools by supporting the teaching of their Ukrainian language and culture.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on a draft bill that addresses the relationship between the Minister of Justice and the Prosecutor's Office, specifically outlining the Minister's supervisory powers. The speaker is critical of the government's intentions in the context of this proposed legislation, viewing it as an attempt to strengthen political control over the justice system.
8 Speeches Analyzed