Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, information briefing
2024-05-08
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional toward the government led by Kaja Kallas, accusing them of incompetence and unconstitutional actions. The main points of emphasis are the failed transition to Estonian-language education, uncontrolled immigration, and the negative growth of the Estonian economy. The political framework is value-based (constitutional order) and results-based (governance of the economy and education).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge concerning the communication expenditures of state institutions, citing specific figures (such as 4.6 million euros for one ministry and Harno's 340,000 euros allocated to green propaganda). Furthermore, authority is stressed regarding issues of constitutional order, with the government's actions being labeled as treason. This expertise is also evident in the criticism directed at education policy (the failure of e-exams) and economic indicators (negative economic growth across Europe).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely aggressive, accusatory, and emotional, employing strong language such as "treason" and "crime." The speaker utilizes both factual data (cost figures, economic growth) and populist appeals, defending the public from government accusations and "brainwashing." The tone is ironic and critical, calling into question the competence and morality of the government.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speeches were delivered during the information hour of the Riigikogu plenary session, pointing to active involvement in parliamentary work. Information is missing regarding the speaker's regular activities, meetings, or travel outside of parliamentary sessions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponent is the Reform Party and the government led by Kaja Kallas, specifically the Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas, against whom a motion of no confidence recently failed. The criticism is intense, centering on political failures, ideological deviation (internationalism), and personal history (a reference to Siim Kallas’s communist background). The government’s actions are being labeled as activities against the constitutional order, thereby precluding any possibility of compromise.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
No data available. The speaker focuses on attacking the government and does not mention possibilities for cooperation with other parties.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily national (education policy, the economy, and the constitutional order), but concern over the closure of Estonian rural schools is also mentioned. International topics involve the impact of Ukrainian refugees on Estonia's resources and the position of the Estonian economy within the European Union.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is vehemently opposed to the government spending money on ideological propaganda, demanding that resources be redirected toward social services and the salaries of police officers, rescuers, and teachers. Concern was highlighted regarding Estonia’s negative economic growth—the only one of its kind in Europe—and the government was criticized for blaming citizens for living beyond their means.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is the protection of Estonian-language education and national identity, standing in sharp opposition to the government's education policy, which is allegedly Russifying Estonian children. Furthermore, immigration—specifically the continued presence of 90,000 Russian-speaking Ukrainian refugees in Estonia—is framed as a massive drain on resources and a threat posed at the expense of the native population.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on criticizing the government's policy (the transition to Estonian-language education, e-exams) and the violation of the constitutional order. Specific new bills or legislative priorities are not mentioned, but reference is made to the failed motion of no confidence against the Minister of Education.
2 Speeches Analyzed