Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-10-08
Political Position
The political stance is strongly oppositional, focusing on the current government's (the Reform Party and its coalition) poor economic performance and administrative competence. Key issues include the rapid growth of national debt, failed IT projects (SKAIS), and the absence of people-centered healthcare. The speaker demands that the government stop apologizing and start taking action for the benefit of the Estonian people, highlighting the superior economic legacy of their previous administration (EKRE, Center Party, Isamaa).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in public finance (specific debt figures, 8% economic growth, 25%+ GDP) and IT projects (repeated failures of the SKAIS system and the wasting of tens of millions). He/She also possesses a deep critical understanding of healthcare system bureaucracy, triage, and the necessity of reforming the general practitioner system.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, critical, and ironic, employing strong juxtapositions (past success versus current failure). The speaker relies both on concrete data (the debt burden) and emotional appeals (health concerns, food availability). Sarcasm and the quoting of opponents (such as Jürgen Ligi) are utilized to underscore the government's inaction and incompetence.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the plenary sessions of the Riigikogu, frequently posing questions and offering criticism during ministerial reports (for example, regarding Minister Karmen Joller). All interventions occurred on the same session day, suggesting intensive involvement in the debate of agenda items. Information regarding other activity patterns is unavailable.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponent is the coalition led by the Reform Party, which faces sharp criticism for increasing the national debt and for its overall inaction. The criticism targets both specific policies (SKAIS, healthcare) and the rhetoric, which is labeled as "rhetoric purely intended for self-defense." The confrontation is intense, and no willingness to compromise has been expressed, with demands for the government to immediately start fulfilling its duties.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker emphasizes cooperation in defending the legacy and highlighting the achievements of the former EKRE, Center Party, and Isamaa government. There are no indications of openness to finding compromises with the current coalition or engaging in cross-party cooperation. Instead, cooperation is manifested in maintaining a united opposition front.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strictly on national issues, covering state debt, the healthcare system, and nationwide IT solutions (SKAIS). There is no regional focus; the discussion is aimed at the broader welfare of the Estonian state and its people.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views stress the need for fiscal discipline, sharply criticizing the rise in national debt (11.5 billion) and the expense of servicing it. The speaker is demanding a reduction in the VAT on groceries, arguing that the current rate—the highest in Europe—hinders healthy choices and forces people to buy cheap "junk" food.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In the social sector, the focus is on ensuring person-centered healthcare and reducing bureaucracy in accessing medical services, while opposing assessment, triage, and AI solutions. Furthermore, the importance of birth rates and demography is emphasized, supporting conservative views on population policy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed towards systemic changes, demanding the reorganization of the entire general practitioner system and hospitals—currently operating as "business entities"—into places dedicated solely to healing people. The speaker is strongly opposed to the additional funding (17 million) for the SKAIS system and criticizes the introduction of merely cosmetic changes in the development plans.
3 Speeches Analyzed