Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
2024-10-16
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional, focusing on the lack of transparency in the state budget and the government's failure to deliver on its promises. The speaker fiercely opposes the designation "security tax," arguing that the name is misleading and that the majority of the funds are not allocated to security but are vaguely directed elsewhere, thereby neglecting the welfare of the people. There is also sharp criticism directed at Kaja Kallas's unilateral decision to commit a billion euros to Ukraine over a 10-year period, a commitment that Estonian citizens will be forced to finance.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the procedures for compiling the state budget, citing National Audit Office data concerning the opaque expenditure (2.4 billion) for 2024 and quoting the coalition agreement requirement for publishing a budget based on parallel cost accounting. They are also aware of the tax optimization strategies employed by large multinational corporations (e.g., in Ireland), and stress the necessity of conducting impact analyses when introducing new taxes.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style of the speech is highly confrontational, accusatory, and emotional, employing sharp phrases such as "you're talking nonsense" and "you are lying." In addition to the political criticism, significant attention is paid to the decorum and procedures of the debate, demanding that the minister refrain from using expressions like "harping" or "nagging," given that the minister is the one accountable before the Riigikogu (Parliament). Both logical arguments are used (by citing agreements) and emotional appeals (by referencing cultural figures and mothers without health insurance).
9 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data indicates active participation in the plenary session held on October 16, 2024, posing repeated and consistently critical questions to the minister regarding the state budget and the security tax. This pattern is characteristic of an opposition member who seeks to hold the reporting minister accountable and challenge their responses.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main targets of the criticism are the governing coalition (the Reform Party, SDE, Eesti 200) and the Minister of Finance. The criticism is both political (budgetary lack of transparency, distortion of the security tax objectives) and personal/historical (referencing the minister's responsibility during the 2015 money laundering scandal). The intensity of the attacks is high, directly accusing the government of lying and incompetence, and no possibility for compromise is being offered.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is insufficient data regarding cooperation. The speaker maintains a strictly oppositional stance, leveling sharp criticism against the government and the minister.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on the national level (state budget, tax policy, Estonian entrepreneurs) and the international level. The international focus is tied to the commitment to support Ukraine (1 billion euros), which is criticized as a unilateral agreement that drains real money from Estonia.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility and transparency, criticizing the ambiguity of the state budget and the alleged siphoning off of funds. The security tax is opposed because it harms small businesses while large corporations optimize their taxes. It is emphasized that tax policy should support the economic engine, not drive businesses into bankruptcy.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker highlights social issues stemming from budget cuts and government priorities. Particular emphasis is placed on the ability of cultural workers, teachers, and mothers who are losing health insurance to make ends meet, arguing that the focus on the security tax neglects the well-being of the people.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus for 2025 is the state budget and the proposed security tax bill. The speaker is a staunch opponent of these drafts, demanding improved transparency in the budget's explanatory memorandum and the completion of an impact assessment for the security tax to properly evaluate its real effect on the economy and national security.
9 Speeches Analyzed