Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-05-15
Political Position
The political position is fiercely opposed to the government’s green and energy policies, particularly the construction of offshore wind farms. Emphasis is placed on protecting private property and constitutional rights against European Union over-regulation, which restricts the activities of Estonian private forest owners. The political framework is value-driven, accusing opponents of subscribing to a "blind ideology" and serving large business interests, which ultimately leads the nation into poverty.
81 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the regulation of forestry and the limits of European Union competence, emphasizing the provisions of the founding treaty. The criticism is particularly thorough concerning the environmental impact (migratory birds, habitats) and economic sustainability (resource consumption, dumping concrete into the sea) of wind energy projects. Specific terms such as "environmental impact analysis" and "ecosystems" are used.
81 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, emotional, and often hyperbolic, employing strongly negative expressions such as "insane ideology," "brutally polluting nature," and "meat grinders." Appeals are made for the protection of nature and local communities, citing examples of injured birds. In the later phase of the session, the style becomes repetitive and procedural, focusing on demanding votes.
81 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
At the sitting, the speaker is extremely active, engaging in both substantive debate and extensive procedural obstruction. The recurring pattern involves demanding votes on amendments and taking recesses (a total of 5 times) to prolong the process, sometimes citing the need to consult with colleagues (e.g., Mart Helme).
81 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponents are the government (Kaja Kallas is specifically mentioned), green ideologues, and lobbyists representing wind energy companies. The criticism is intense, accusing them of negligence, serving corrupt business interests, and overriding the rights of both people and nature. There is no apparent willingness to compromise; rather, every effort is being made to obstruct the bill's legislative process.
81 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation is clearly intra-factional, as demonstrated by the proposal to suspend the second reading of the bill on behalf of the EKRE faction. Strategic cooperation is evident in the decision to take a recess for discussions with Mart Helme and the subsequent demand for a vote on the amendments proposed by other opposition colleagues (Arvo Aller, Rain Epler, Leo Kunnas). Cooperation with the coalition is not sought.
81 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on Estonia's national interests and the impact of European Union regulations. The concerns of local communities and private forest owners are highlighted. A specific regional emphasis is placed on coastal areas and maritime businesses (fishermen), which are threatened by offshore wind farms restricting access to sea areas.
81 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are highly critical of large renewable energy projects, which are deemed enormously wasteful, requiring hundreds of billions, and driving the nation into poverty. It supports the economic freedom of private forest owners and maritime businesses and opposes Brussels regulations that restrict the economic use of private property.
81 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues revolve around protecting the rights of local communities and individuals against the government and large corporate interests. There is also a strong emphasis on protecting wildlife and the environment, particularly concerning migratory birds and protected species falling victim to wind turbines—creatures who, according to the speaker, "cannot speak for themselves."
81 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus centers on opposing the government's draft bill concerning renewable energy and offshore wind farms. The individual is an active opponent, employing obstructionist tactics: proposing the adjournment of the second reading and repeatedly demanding votes on amendments in order to prolong the legislative process.
81 Speeches Analyzed