Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
2025-03-17
Political Position
The speaker is in strong opposition to the government's tax policy, criticizing the implementation of new taxes (such as the car tax) and the government's claim that the tax burden will not increase. A second central theme is the Ministry of Education and Research's plan to merge seven schools for students with special educational needs (SEN), which the speaker views as bureaucratic and detrimental to the welfare of the children. The political framework is intensely critical and outcome-based, accusing the government of self-justification.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in organizing education for students with special educational needs, criticizing the ideology of inclusive education and highlighting specific problems (for instance, the illogical nature of establishing a joint school council and student representation body for only seven study spots). They are also familiar with the specifics of state media subsidies and tax policy, citing concrete sums and ministers.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is combative, ironic, and critical, using anecdotal comparisons (like the official and the cramped apartment) to ridicule the government's actions. The speaker employs both emotional appeals (concern for children and teachers) and logical arguments (the inefficiency of the management structure) to emphasize just how illogical the ministry's activities are. This approach heightens indignation and accuses the opposing side of using bureaucratic flowery language.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the plenary sessions of the Riigikogu, submitting interpellations (referencing the interpellation submitted on January 27) and participating in debates. He/She also refers to earlier forms of communication with the ministry and meetings with school principals, which demonstrates consistent effort in keeping the topic in focus.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party-led government and specific ministers (Võrklaev, the Minister of Education), who are being criticized for both their policies (tax increases, the reorganization of special needs schools) and their procedures. The speaker accuses the ministry of individually co-opting or persuading directors—using bonuses as leverage—to prevent collective resistance. The opposition is intense and uncompromising, calling into question the government's motives and integrity.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speeches lack references to cooperation with other political parties; the focus is on sharp criticism of the government's activities and the submission of interpellations. The speaker acknowledges the minister and colleagues who attended, but does not refer to bilateral or cross-party cooperation in policy formation.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
While national topics are addressed (tax policy, media support), the emphasis concerning education is on the seven HEV schools (Special Educational Needs schools) located throughout Estonia. It is stressed that these schools are distinctive and operate based on the unique features of their local communities, standing in opposition to centralized management.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is vehemently opposed to increasing the tax burden and criticizes the government’s assertions that people will retain more disposable income despite the introduction of new taxes. Furthermore, he/she questions the Ministry of Education’s alleged savings of 300,000 euros, which were supposedly earmarked for specialists’ salaries, citing the creation of new centralized positions.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The most crucial social issue is the right of children with special educational needs to a specialized learning and developmental environment. The speaker is strongly opposed to the ideology of inclusive education, arguing that it leads to significant problems (including issues with teacher recruitment). They emphasize that the goal of the education system must be the well-being of children, not the efficiency of management.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker focuses on criticizing government-initiated reorganization processes (the merging of schools for students with special educational needs) and political decisions (tax hikes, media subsidies) through parliamentary inquiries. They are more an opponent of existing plans than an initiator of new legislation, striving instead to gain clarification and halt bureaucratic changes.
6 Speeches Analyzed