Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Fifteenth Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
2025-05-21
Political Position
The political stance is fiercely anti-government, centering on the risks associated with the mandated biofuel additive for aviation fuel (safety, cost) and the recent tax hikes (VAT, potential property tax). The speaker stresses that legislation must be designed to benefit the people, accusing the government of imposing ideological components and pursuing personal ambitions at the cost of the nation’s suffering. The rhetoric is heavily value- and results-driven, continually posing the question of who is being served: their own people or someone else.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the phases of biofuel blending in aviation, citing specific percentages and years (2% currently, 6% by 2030, 70% by 2050). He draws a historical parallel with biofuel additives in automotive fuels that led to engine failures. Furthermore, he is familiar with tax policy (VAT) and its economic impact on consumer purchasing power and business revenues.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is highly combative, accusatory, and ironic, employing ridicule aimed at government rhetoric (e.g., "slavery is freedom" and the supposed benefits of the VAT increase for low-income earners). The speaker uses strong emotional appeals and levels direct accusations regarding the government's incompetence and dishonesty, posing numerous rhetorical questions ("Do you even understand what you are saying?").
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the plenary session, repeatedly asking questions of the minister and the rapporteur, and intervening in the debate on the same day. This indicates active involvement in the legislative process and a desire to publicly challenge the government's actions.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
A strong opposition faces the government and the Reform Party, who are accused of controlling the e-voting mechanism and thereby wielding unlimited power. The criticism is directed at a personal level, specifically accusing Kaja Kallas of lying about taxes and advancing her personal career (in the European Commission) at the expense of the suffering of the Estonian people. The government is also accused of being incapable of governing the country and of just talking "fluff" (or empty rhetoric).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national tax policy and international topics (EU directives, IMF recommendations, Kaja Kallas’s ambitions in Europe). There is no specific regional or local emphasis, although the situation of the aviation sector and general business in Estonia is being discussed.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strong opposition to tax hikes (VAT, car tax, property tax), as these measures reduce people's purchasing power and damage business, ultimately driving the country into an economic recession. It supports the interests of businesses, rejecting the government's assertions that entrepreneurs are "crooks." Furthermore, it views biofuel mandates as economically detrimental ideological components.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social spotlight is currently focused on the well-being and suffering of the Estonian people, stemming from the government's tax policy and ideological demands. The speaker sharply criticizes the government's claims that tax hikes support low-wage earners, and accuses the administration of effectively "binding people to the land" (or "making them serfs") due to the rising cost of air travel.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker is opposed to the draft legislation stemming from European directives (biofuels) and government tax increases (VAT). He stresses that when drafting laws, the focus must be on the needs of the people, not the demands of the ministry or Europe, and criticizes the ministry's failure to calculate the impact of these bills on the public.
7 Speeches Analyzed