Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, press briefing
2024-09-25
Political Position
Strong opposition to the government's activities, particularly where they infringe upon constitutional order and the principles of the rule of law. It emphasizes a value-based approach, defending constitutional rights and private property, and criticizes the government's economic promises as unrealistic and obtuse. The political position is strongly oppositional, accusing the government of testing and shifting the boundaries of society.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates expertise on the topic of constitutional law and legislative procedures, citing Section 231 of the Penal Code and addressing the issue of the supremacy of annotated commentaries. Is also familiar with the socio-economic problems within the cultural sector, quoting a post by a well-known cultural figure regarding the decline in purchasing power.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is sharp, accusatory, and insistent, employing sarcasm (e.g., "tax festival," "obtuse") and an ironic anecdote (the gypsy and the horse) to ridicule the government's economic promises. It utilizes a legal framework and poses rhetorical questions to highlight the danger of the government's actions to the constitutional order.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Actively participates in the Riigikogu Information Hour, posing repeated and interconnected questions, which demonstrates a consistent approach to the issues. References previous debates (e.g., between Varro Vooglaid and Liisa Pakosta), highlighting relevance to the ongoing political discourse.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the government as a whole, representatives of the Reform Party (Yoko Alender) and the Social Democrats (Vladimir Svet), along with the Chancellor of Justice. The criticism leveled is extremely intense and procedural, accusing them of attempting to subvert the constitutional order and of fundamentally distorting the original idea behind the legislation beyond recognition.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There are no signs of cooperation with the government; rather, he/she is in sharp opposition to the ministers and the proposals put forth by their administrative areas. He/She continues to reference the Varro Vooglaid issue, which demonstrates ideological alignment with certain colleagues.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national and constitutional issues, as well as the livelihood of the average Estonian. There is no specific regional or local focus.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Being skeptical of the government's economic policy—which promises to fix state finances and boost purchasing power—and deeming it unrealistic. It is stressed that rising prices are worsening people's daily livelihoods and the overall economy, particularly among cultural workers.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
A strong emphasis is placed on the protection of citizens' constitutional rights and freedoms, especially the inviolability of private property, which is threatened by limitations imposed in the name of meeting climate goals. It also raises the problem of low wages and the struggle for subsistence among cultural workers.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary focus is on the quality of legislation and constitutional compliance, opposing proposals to restrict the constitutional review of draft legislation. It demands transparency and accountability from the law drafters, and opposes the proposal to keep the identities of the bill drafters confidential.
5 Speeches Analyzed