Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, press briefing
2025-02-26
Political Position
The political stance is fiercely anti-government, focusing on the lack of transparency and the alleged illegality surrounding the distribution of 2.6 billion euros in wind energy subsidies. The speaker stresses that these are schemes involving political agreements and party financing, calling the government's credibility into question and demanding the resignation of Climate Minister Yoko Alender. The position is strongly results-oriented, centering on the government’s actions, which are deemed both failed and corrupt.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in financing the green transition and energy economics, citing specific figures (2.6 billion, 260 million) and various support schemes. Research ethics are also addressed, using the Paldiski mine as an example, while accusing the government of involving scientists in fraudulent schemes. Technical terms such as "green transition subsidies" and "CO2 taxes" are employed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly aggressive, accusatory, and urgent, employing sharp phrases such as "sweeping things under the rug," "creative accounting," and "fraudulent schemes." The speaker relies heavily on emotional appeals, highlighting the loss of public confidence and the government's unethical behavior. Logical arguments are deployed to dismantle the government's assertions (for instance, the alleged low cost of wind energy), effectively accusing the administration of spinning a "fairy tale."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active during the Riigikogu Q&A session, using this platform to sharply criticize government decisions and demand accountability. A reference to "this morning's" news regarding the Paldiski mine demonstrates a rapid response to current scandals.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary targets are the government as a whole, Climate Minister Yoko Alender, and former Secretary General Keit Kasemets. The criticism is intense and wide-ranging, stretching from political deals (money promised to the Social Democrats) to direct accusations of funneling public funds toward specific business interests ("wind energy tycoons," "arms dealer groups"). Compromise is off the table; resignation is being demanded.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is a lack of willingness to cooperate; the speaker is operating from a purely adversarial opposition stance, demanding accountability and the minister's resignation, and alleging the "buying off" of government partners.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The primary focus is on national funding schemes and energy policy, which involve billions of euros. Regionally, mention is made of the scandal surrounding the establishment of the Paldiski mine, emphasizing its negative impact on the environment and local communities.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views expressed are critical of state intervention and subsidization, particularly within the context of the green transition, where billions are being channeled to specific business groups. The speaker criticizes the high CO2 taxes levied on fossil fuels, which he considers "insane" and believes distort energy market prices. This, in turn, artificially creates the myth of expensive fossil energy and cheap, subsidized wind power.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among social issues, the question of public trust in scientific institutions is being raised. It is stressed that government actions undermine the ethics of scientific work and the transparency of projects, especially given that TalTech scientists are allegedly compiling analyses based on false data. Furthermore, the negative impact on local communities caused by mining projects is also highlighted.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the oversight of government financial decisions and budget execution, as well as demanding accountability. The priority is monitoring the legality and transparency of existing funding schemes (e.g., 2.6 billion euro grants, funds allocated for supporting Ukraine).
2 Speeches Analyzed