Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
2025-04-15
Political Position
The political position is strongly directed towards protecting the rights of vulnerable groups (the elderly, those with dementia) and ensuring the accountability of the legal system in cases of egregious human rights violations. Furthermore, the speaker strongly advocates for the regulation of ride-sharing services to guarantee fair competition and public safety. The framework is both value-based (justice, security) and policy- and regulation-centric, demanding accountability from individuals connected to the Reform Party.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the Public Transport Act and taxi transport regulations, highlighting specific legal loopholes and unfair competition issues within the ride-sharing sector. He/She also possesses detailed knowledge of the recent Pihlakodu criminal case, including the substance of the prosecutor’s decision and its impact on the victims. He/She stresses the importance of safety and adherence to language requirements when providing the service.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is demanding and confrontational, especially concerning issues of social injustice, employing emotional appeals (for example, the helplessness of the elderly and the legal system turning its back). Regarding transport issues, the style is critical and suspicious, casting doubt on the motives of coalition politicians and asking whose interests they are actually serving. The speaker asks direct questions and refuses to comply with the minister's wish to avoid certain topics.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in plenary sessions, posing questions to the minister and participating in debates on bills, often addressing a colleague directly. Their pattern of activity demonstrates a focus on both social justice and economic regulations. All the speeches provided originate from the same session day, which suggests intense participation in the debates.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main targets of criticism are the legal system (the Prosecutor’s Office) and coalition politicians/officials who are obstructing the regulation of ride-sharing services. The speaker directly links the Pihlakodu case to an institution belonging to members of the Reform Party, leveling intense accusations regarding both political and moral responsibility. They criticize the coalition for acting in the interests of someone else, rather than for the benefit of the Estonian people.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is engaged in a direct dialogue with a colleague ("Dear Kalle") regarding the Public Transport Act, suggesting a readiness to discuss specific legislative points. Although critical of the ruling coalition, the speaker remains open to legislative cooperation with other members of parliament who share his concern about unfair competition.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national laws and the legal system, but regulatory shortcomings are illustrated using specific regional examples. Tallinn is mentioned as the primary ride-sharing market, alongside Maardu as a location where drivers can easily obtain the necessary documentation, which highlights the exploitation of local loopholes within the national system.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker strongly supports regulations to prevent unfair competition in the public transport market, demanding a level playing field for taxi services. He criticizes ride-sharing operators who are operating on a massive scale but fail to comply with the requirements imposed on traditional taxi service providers. This position favors regulated market conditions and seeks to protect traditional service providers.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social focus centers on protecting the human rights of the elderly and the helpless, and the legal system’s capacity to ensure justice for them within the context of the Pihlakodu case. Additionally, emphasis is placed on the importance of requiring Estonian language proficiency from service providers and safeguarding the security of Estonian residents through the verification of ride-share drivers’ licenses.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the act amending the Public Transport Act, the purpose of which is to regulate ride-sharing services to ensure equal treatment and safety. The speaker is a strong supporter of this regulation, highlighting the need to check both permits and language proficiency.
3 Speeches Analyzed