Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Fifteenth Riigikogu, fourth session, plenary session
2024-11-05
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the current green transition policy implemented by the European Union and the Estonian government, labeling the 2030 target as unrealistic and "madness." The criticism targets value-based ideological policies that, they claim, result in a loss of economic competitiveness and the impoverishment of the population. Furthermore, the speaker defends Hungary against what they see as unfair persecution by other EU member states and sharply criticizes the actions of Prime Minister Kaja Kallas.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of major challenges at the European Union level, focusing on the economic and strategic conflicts arising from the green transition and the security transition. He/She uses specific terms like the carbon tax and refers to "specialists" who doubt the simultaneous resolution of these two major shifts. Furthermore, the speaker shows awareness of the Russian labor quotas in Hungary and Germany.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker’s style is highly confrontational and critical, employing strongly charged language such as “madness,” “ideological zealots,” “absurd,” and “hypocritical.” They utilize both logical arguments (loss of competitiveness, the low cost of fossil fuels) and personal attacks (referencing the prime minister’s source of knowledge and the spouse’s business dealings with Russia).
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Data indicates active participation in the plenary session in November 2024, asking questions of both the minister and the rapporteur. The individual also monitors the debate from the faction room, suggesting continuous engagement with the work of the Riigikogu.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the government (especially Prime Minister Kaja Kallas) and the ideological leaders of the green transition in Europe. The criticism is directed both at political incompetence (unrealistic goals, poor-quality sources of information) and personal hypocrisy (Kallas's husband's business dealings with Russia). The speaker also criticizes the previous speaker for "antagonizing" Hungary.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Information is lacking regarding cooperation or the willingness to compromise within the Riigikogu. However, the speaker demonstrates strong support for and defense of Hungary, viewing it as an EU partner that has dared to swim against the current.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly international and at the European Union level, addressing global competition, the green transition, and security. Special emphasis is placed on relations with Hungary, and the situation is compared with that of Germany and other EU countries.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is strongly anti-regulation regarding climate policy, arguing that the CO2 tax makes fossil fuels, which are inherently cheap, ideologically expensive. He/She predicts that the current policy will lead to a decline in the competitiveness of the European economy and the impoverishment of the people.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker praises Hungary for daring to swim against the current on both immigration and demographic issues. This indicates support for conservative and nation-state-centric social policies.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on high-level political criticism and contesting the government's actions concerning the European Union's major strategic directions (the green transition, the security shift). Specific bills or legislative initiatives are not mentioned.
6 Speeches Analyzed