Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
2024-10-21
Political Position
The political stance is strongly oppositional, focusing on the government's lack of transparency ("behind closed doors") and its inefficient economic management. The speaker vigorously opposes tax hikes and cuts to social benefits, while simultaneously deeming the attempts to cover the state budget deficit by importing prisoners ridiculous. The criticism targets both the political implementation (the failure of the care reform) and the underlying value framework (the wasteful spending on Rail Baltic and the green transition).
13 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge of the justice sector, particularly regarding the costs of the prison service (dental care, psychological services) and the specific nature of probation officers' work. They also possess knowledge of social affairs, criticizing the financial model of the care reform and pointing to specific nursing home chains owned by their party colleagues. In economic matters, they emphasize the direct impact of tax hikes on corporate bankruptcies and reduced consumption.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is predominantly confrontational, emotional, and often sarcastic, employing strong expressions (e.g., "don't lie," "smeared with filth"). The speaker focuses on exposing the government's alleged incompetence and secrecy, favoring personal and procedural attacks in addition to logical arguments. He repeatedly demands specific answers, accusing the ministers of speaking in circles and concealing the truth.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active during the rounds of answering interpellations at the Riigikogu plenary session, submitting repeated questions and follow-up inquiries to ministers across various sectors. Their pattern of activity is aimed at detailed scrutiny and public criticism of the government's work. They reference previous sessions and transcripts to substantiate their claims and demonstrate the ministers' lack of candor.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at the government overall, particularly the plans put forth by the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Climate. The criticism is political in nature (tax hikes, importing inmates) as well as personal and procedural (ministers lying, improper conduct, and previous personal attacks). The speaker is extremely intense, accusing the government of ignoring the public and bypassing the Riigikogu during the decision-making process.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Information regarding cooperation is absent; the speaker performs as an intense opposition questioner, focusing on holding ministers accountable. There are no references to cross-party cooperation or a readiness for compromise.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national issues (the state budget, care reform, the prison system) and international relations (the import of prisoners from Great Britain, the European Union's green transition). There is no specific local or regional focus.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is strongly opposed to tax hikes, arguing they will bankrupt businesses and suppress consumer spending. He slams the government’s massive spending (on projects like Rail Baltic and the green transition) as wasteful and demands these projects be halted to address the budget deficit. He prioritizes maintaining social benefits and enforcing fiscal discipline, specifically at the expense of these major projects.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker sharply criticizes the failure of the care reform, which, in their estimation, increased the financial self-responsibility (or co-payment) for the elderly and their relatives, thereby making nursing home placements unaffordable. They also raise the issue of social security concerning the practice of not sending probationers back to prison in order to keep the facilities empty.
13 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker focuses on scrutinizing the government's activities through interpellations, positioning himself/herself as a strong opponent and critic. He/She concentrates on highlighting the negative consequences of the government's proposed plans (the import of prisoners, the rise in packaging excise duty) and reforms already implemented (the care reform). He/She does not mention any bills initiated by himself/herself.
13 Speeches Analyzed