Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary session
2024-10-23
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional, focusing on holding the government (ministers and the coalition) accountable for both procedural errors and ideologically driven legislative proposals. The speaker strongly opposes the ratification of the International Labour Organization convention due to the concept of "social gender" and highlights the contradiction between accepting Orthodox asylum seekers and closing down the church affiliated with the Moscow Patriarchate. The framing is heavily value-based, emphasizing the dignity of parliamentarism and traditional social norms.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the Riigikogu rules of procedure (the role of the session chair, refusal to answer questions) and a deep dive into the details of international conventions (ILO), referencing specific articles (1, 4, 6). Special emphasis is placed on the ability to analyze the hidden ideological content of draft legislation, referring to them as "Brezhnev packages." Furthermore, they possess knowledge regarding committee discussions (protocols/minutes) and the positions held by other Riigikogu members (Kert Kingo, Minister Pakosta).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is passionate, confrontational, and critical, employing strong emotional appeals (referencing the dignity of women and the decline of the ministerial institution). Sharp accusations are leveled (lies, coupled with arrogant and haughty self-justification) and absurd examples (cat litter in the toilet) are used to illustrate ideological threats. The overall tone is one of dissatisfaction and accusation, particularly concerning the quality of the ministers' responses.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The Speaker is active during the plenary session, repeatedly posing questions (concerning religious matters, procedure, and the convention) and delivering an extended address during the second reading of the draft bill. This pattern demonstrates active involvement in the scrutiny of legislation and in procedural disputes, including demanding the public disclosure of committee minutes.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the government and the ministers (accused of arrogant behavior and failing to answer questions), as well as coalition members of parliament (accused of blindly pushing through draft legislation). Particularly intense criticism is directed at Jürgen Ligi, who is accused of verbal abuse and harassment at the Riigikogu podium. The criticism operates on political, procedural, and personal levels, implying that everything is permitted for liberals.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation is not mentioned, but the speaker characterizes the opposition's work as an obligation to dissect the laws and uncover hidden content, contrasting this with the coalition's tendency to vote blindly. There is no willingness to compromise; the party's position regarding the ratification of the convention is firmly opposed.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national issues (Riigikogu proceedings, laws) and international topics (the ILO convention, Orthodox asylum seekers originating from Ukrainian war zones). There is no regional focus, but the granting of international protection to Russian-speaking Orthodox individuals originating from Ukrainian territories is mentioned.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are being voiced as a concern over the excessive regulatory burden placed on employers, which stems from the obligation to account for social genders. It is stressed that the employer must commit too many resources to dealing with "all this madness," pointing to the reluctance to implement new regulations in the world of work.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among social issues, the central point of contention is the opposition to introducing the concept of social gender into legislation, which is viewed as a deviation from biological sex and established traditions. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of protecting women's dignity and recognizing the traditional rights of both men and women. The sharp conflict surrounding Orthodox refugees and the closure of the Moscow Patriarchate church is also discussed.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the ratification of the International Labour Organization’s Convention concerning the elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work. The speaker is acting as a strong opponent of the draft legislation, concentrating on exposing its ideological content (social gender).
7 Speeches Analyzed