Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
2024-10-22
Political Position
The political position strongly advocates for the protection of the market economy and opposes over-regulation, particularly concerning the new ESG requirements, which are dismissed as "ideological nonsense." The speaker supports imposing a banking tax on foreign banks, accusing them of "skimming the cream" at Estonia's expense. Criticism is leveled at the government's economic policy, which has resulted in an economic downturn, contrasting sharply with Lithuania's success.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the fields of banking and tax policy, discussing the loan conditions offered by foreign banks and the impact of the bank tax. Attention is also focused on the transposition of European Union regulations (likely CSRD/ESG) and the resulting effect on businesses. Detailed questions are raised regarding the tax exemptions currently applicable to diplomats and the elimination of supervisory periods.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is confrontational and sharply critical, employing emotional and accusatory language, such as accusing banks of "skimming the cream off the top" and dismissing regulations as "ideological mumbo-jumbo." The speaker picks up on the personal theme ("kitchen") introduced by the minister and calls the minister's competence into question. The argument is grounded in defending the principles of the free market and drawing comparisons with regional competitors.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is very active during the session, asking consecutive questions regarding several draft bills (banking, ESG, tax incentives). The speaker calls for a procedural recess on behalf of the EKRE faction.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at the government and the Reform Party minister (Jürgen Ligi), who stands accused of the economic decline and over-regulation. The criticism is both policy-driven (failure to introduce a bank tax, ESG) and personal, questioning the minister's adequacy and accusing him of descending to a low level.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is clearly acting as a representative of the EKRE faction, taking procedural steps on its behalf. There is no evidence of cooperation with other factions or political parties.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national economic policy and international comparisons. Particular emphasis is placed on the operations of major Swedish banks in Estonia and the contrasting of Lithuania's economic success with Estonia's economic decline.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is a strong proponent of the market economy and opposes excessive state regulation, particularly in the form of ESG requirements, which he believes impede business activity. He supports the introduction of a banking tax to curb the repatriation of profits by foreign banks. He also expresses concern regarding the loss of state revenue resulting from the removal of tax incentives.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are addressed indirectly through the obligations placed on companies to assess social impacts, but the speaker views this more as an ideological burden that is incompatible with a market economy. Direct social policy standpoints are absent.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative topics are related to taxation (the bank tax, tax concessions for diplomats, and the elimination of supervision periods) and the transposition of European Union directives concerning corporate reporting obligations (ESG/environmental and social impact). The speaker is predominantly critical of and opposed to these regulations.
11 Speeches Analyzed