Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
2024-12-11
Political Position
The political focus centers on fierce criticism of the government’s priorities, particularly concerning aid to Ukraine (1 billion euros) and the failed implementation of the transition to Estonian-language education. These positions are strongly value-based, emphasizing the constitutional obligation to preserve the Estonian nation, language, and culture. The speaker demands withdrawal from the Ukraine aid agreement and the prioritization of domestic needs.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates competence regarding the state budget and the use of taxpayer money, citing specific figures (100 million, 0.25% of GDP, 1.8 million for Vana-Vigala school). Their knowledge of education and language policy is particularly profound, referencing Section 9 of the Language Act and Section 51 of the Constitution, and providing examples from the daily life of kindergartens in Tallinn and Ida-Viru County. They rely on the experience of the civic movement "Estonian school is the home of the Estonian language."
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, urgent, and emotional, employing sharp criticism and dramatic examples (e.g., the Russification of Estonian children). Strong contrasts are used (Estonian needs vs. foreign aid) alongside historical parallels ("internatsid"). The speech concludes with a physical protest, tearing the draft bill to shreds to emphasize that its proper place is "in the trash can."
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active during the plenary session, participating in debates and responding to the arguments put forward by other colleagues. They repeatedly request the floor and ask for additional time to thoroughly present their positions.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are Kaja Kallas (who has been criticized for a unilateral decision and personal gain in the form of a European post) and the Ministry of Education and Research. The criticism is intense, accusing the opponents of unconstitutional activity, specifically promoting internationalism and multiculturalism at the expense of Estonian children. Any compromise regarding the education law is completely ruled out.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is largely adversarial, as the speaker argues against the majority of colleagues who spoke previously. He/She commends a colleague (Annely) for raising an important topic and refers to cooperation with the civic movement "Eesti kool on eesti keele kodu."
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strongly on domestic needs and regional issues, contrasting these with international aid. Specific examples cited include the closure of the Vana-Vigala school and the language environment problems in kindergartens in Tallinn (especially Lasnamäe) and Ida-Virumaa.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives focus on reducing the state budget deficit and keeping taxpayer money within Estonia. They oppose unconditional foreign aid (€1 billion) and demand that €100 million be redirected toward domestic needs to avoid tax hikes (car tax, VAT) and social spending cuts (Health Insurance Fund, large families).
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social theme is the preservation of Estonian-language education and the Estonian nation, which is framed as a constitutional obligation. The speaker strongly advocates for the rights of Estonian children to receive a purely Estonian-language upbringing environment, opposing multiculturalism and internationalism, which, they argue, leads to the Russification of Estonian children.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on opposing the draft Preschool Education Act (third reading), which is considered both a violation of the rights of Estonian children and unconstitutional. The government is also being criticized for concluding an international cooperation agreement without seeking the permission of the Riigikogu.
6 Speeches Analyzed