Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
2024-11-11
Political Position
The political position is strongly value-based, focusing on ending state funding for elective abortions, which are deemed unethical and unconstitutional. The speaker sharply criticizes the state's priorities, especially the funding of abortion during a period of austerity, and stresses the necessity of moving toward a new ethical paradigm in the 21st century. They accuse the state of impoverishing families (by taking away benefits and insurance) and subsequently offering abortion as a solution.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the hierarchy of legislation, stressing that the Regulation issued by the Government of the Republic is inconsistent with both the law and the Constitution. They cite specific financial data (nearly 300,000 euros from the Health Insurance Fund's budget) and repeatedly challenge the classification of elective abortions as a healthcare service. Furthermore, they reference the historical background of the relevant legislation, tracing it back to the Soviet era (1956).
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is passionate, confrontational, and forceful, employing strong emotional appeals (references to unborn children, Father’s Day, a poem) while accusing opponents of lying. The speaker balances legal and financial argumentation with sharp social criticism aimed at government policy. He/She poses direct questions to colleagues and also addresses the viewers watching the screen.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was highly active during the plenary session, asking multiple questions and delivering a lengthy closing speech—which ran into extra time—in support of the bill. He/She also referenced his/her extensive travels throughout Estonia, meeting with people and listening to their concerns and joys.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is directed at "liberals" and specific colleagues (e.g., Tanel Kiik), whose arguments (local clinics, abortion migration, access for the poor) are considered false or irrelevant. The speaker sharply criticizes the state and the government, accusing them of impoverishing families (cutting benefits, car tax) and subsequently financing abortion as an ironic form of "aid."
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is manifested in asking questions to the presenters of the draft bill (Evelin, Varro) to clarify the legal background and public opinion. The speaker attempts to clarify the actual content of the draft bill in order to prevent colleagues from voting incorrectly. There are no references to a willingness to compromise or cross-party cooperation.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is directed broadly across Estonia, emphasizing touring the country and meeting with "the man on the street" to gauge public opinion. Specific regions, industries, or local projects are not mentioned in the speeches.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives stress fiscal responsibility and the reassessment of national priorities, particularly during periods of austerity. Criticism is leveled against the use of Health Insurance Fund money (€300,000) to finance elective abortions, and the government is accused of impoverishing families (through cuts to family benefits and the introduction of a car tax) via its economic policy decisions.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The central social theme is the termination of state funding for abortion, which is supported by a strong moral and ethical framework emphasizing the protection of human life. Children are viewed as a "gift" and "companions on the journey," not as obstacles, and there is an emphasis on the need to change society's attitude toward children.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently directed towards amending a Regulation of the Government of the Republic, specifically to end the funding of elective abortions as a healthcare service covered by the Health Insurance Act. The speaker is a strong supporter of this draft legislation, emphasizing that the current situation is unconstitutional.
6 Speeches Analyzed