Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Information Hour
2025-10-15
Political Position
The political position is one of strong opposition to the government's budget priorities and economic policy. The most acute issues are the underfunding of culture (specifically ERSO salaries and budget cuts) and the economic decline, which has now lasted 13 consecutive quarters. The political framework is results-oriented, accusing the government of "incompetent and corrupt governance" and neglecting the constitutional priority of protecting culture.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of budget figures and cuts in the cultural sector (13M, 21M, 26M), as well as the funding of major government projects (Rail Baltic, wind energy entrepreneurs). They use economic analysis terminology, citing the independence of the Institute of Economic Research and the 13 consecutive bad economic quarters. Also highlighted is the sum of 400 million euros allocated for salary increases directed specifically at the Ministry of Climate.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, dramatic, and accusatory, employing strong emotional appeals and sharp contrasts (e.g., 400 million for the Ministry of Climate versus 105 ERSOs). Direct personal attacks are used, along with accusations of the government's corrupt and bungling governance. The tone is ironic and critical, stressing that the government has "totally failed."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
No data available
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main adversaries are the government and the "liberals," who face criticism both for their policies (tax hikes, budget cuts) and on ethical grounds ("corrupt governance"). The criticism is intense and accusatory, casting doubt on the government's adherence to the constitution and its motives ("for whom exactly are you doing this country?"). Separately, Culture Minister Heidy Purga is criticized for inefficiency, as is the attack on Peeter Raudsepp (including by Jürgen Ligi).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
No data available
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national issues, such as the Estonian economy, the National Symphony Orchestra (ERSO), and major projects (Rail Baltic). There are no references to specific regional or local problems.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
They are strongly opposed to tax hikes and the increased tax burden, highlighting high prices and the economy's stagnation. They criticize the government's wasteful spending (billions allocated to Rail Baltic and wind farm developers) and the expansion of bureaucracy (400 million for the Ministry of Climate). They support independent, unvarnished economic analysis and defend the Institute of Economic Research against government attacks.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
It emphasizes the protection of Estonian culture as a constitutional priority, while highlighting the low salaries of ERSO orchestra members. It draws a distinction between "genuine culture" (the kind that carries the nation into the future) and sharply criticizes the presentation of the "vulgarity and violence-porn parade" (ERR, ERM)—which is funded by "liberals"—as actual culture.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main focus is on criticizing the government's budget policy and cuts (specifically in the cultural sector) for the years 2025–2027. A further priority is defending the independence of the Institute of Economic Research against government attacks and opposing tax hikes (including the car registration fee).
2 Speeches Analyzed