Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
2024-04-17
Political Position
The political focus is on ensuring the trustworthiness and constitutionality of e-elections, which are considered the foundation of the state's legitimacy. The speaker is strongly opposed to the current e-voting system, arguing that it violates the constitution and has potentially led to illegitimate governments. This stance is strongly value-driven, emphasizing the requirement for 100% reliability and legitimacy, and viewing the elections as dividing society rather than uniting it.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in election law, the constitution (specifically § 60), and cybersecurity, insisting that the processes adhere to the standards of paper balloting. Technical terminology is employed, and reference is made to specific anomalies observed in previous e-elections (such as the high activity rate among 90–95-year-olds), as well as the Supreme Court's directives for system reorganization.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The emphasis is confrontational, critical, and insistent, utilizing strong emotional appeals (e.g., the illegitimacy of the government, the destruction of society). The style is formal, yet it includes sharp accusations of disregarding the constitution and repeatedly references the lack of public trust (nearly 40% of people do not trust the elections). The speaker uses repetition to underscore the substantive importance of their proposed amendments and the impropriety of the committee’s decisions.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active in the debate on the draft law, repeatedly posing questions to the rapporteur and the presiding officer, and defending his/her proposed amendments. He/She employs tactics of obstruction, calling for procedural recesses before votes and challenging the decisions of the Riigikogu Board concerning the admissibility of questions.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Strong opposition is aimed at the steering committee, which is accused of substantially disregarding the constitution by failing to consider proposals aimed at ensuring 100% reliability. Criticism is also directed at the government, which is considered potentially illegitimate, having gained power through e-votes, and at the Riigikogu board for labeling the obstruction illegal. The attacks are primarily procedural and focus on questions of constitutionality.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no sign of cooperation; the speaker is rather confrontational, defending the amendments proposed by their party (EKRE) that were ultimately ignored. Instead of seeking cooperation, the focus remains on disputing the decisions made by the committee and other political parties.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
None. The focus is exclusively on national issues: the legitimacy of elections, constitutionality, and the obligations of the state election service in Estonia.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
11 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
11 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is on amending the Electoral Law to ensure the one hundred percent reliability and constitutionality of e-voting (Section 60). The speaker is a strong opponent of the draft bill, particularly regarding the introduction of m-voting, and submitted amendments (No. 9, No. 40), which were disregarded. The objective is to resolve the task set forth by the Supreme Court: to make the system reliable and verifiable.
11 Speeches Analyzed