Session Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, press briefing
2025-06-04
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government's economic policy, focusing on the unrelenting price hikes, the drop in purchasing power, and the raising of 26 taxes. The speaker emphasizes that the country's situation is "dire" and criticizes the government's failure to address the negative consequences resulting from these tax increases. The focus is results-oriented, highlighting the economic decline for 13 consecutive quarters.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in macroeconomics, inflation, and taxation, employing technical terms such as real wages and investments. He backs up his assertions with concrete data and forecasts, citing a 4.6% price increase and a 0.3% economic contraction. Furthermore, he quotes specific institutions (Statistics Estonia, the Estonian Institute of Economic Research, and the Bank of Estonia) and their forecasts.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly aggressive, critical, and insistent, accusing the Prime Minister of presenting half-truths and outright lies. The speaker balances emotional claims ("absolutely insane," "the worst performer") with logical arguments, presenting a detailed example of a two-child family's budget and demanding specific, concrete calculations. He uses the analogy of the "snake eating its tail" to describe the relationship between inflation and wage increases.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the Riigikogu Q&A session and refers to repeated and sustained criticism directed at the government concerning the same economic issues ("said time and time again"). They use the Q&A session as a platform to pose pointed and specific questions to the prime minister regarding the impact of the tax packages.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is aimed directly at the Prime Minister and the government, criticizing both their failed economic policy and their unethical rhetoric. The criticism is intense, accusing the government of using half-truths, ignoring the disadvantaged, and living in "beautiful lies." The speaker questions the Prime Minister's fitness for office if he or she is doing this deliberately.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient Data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strictly domestic, addressing the general state of the Estonian economy (recession, inflation) and its impact on the nation's citizens. The Estonian economy is described as "the complete laggard in Europe."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views expressed are strongly opposed to tax increases, arguing that they cause price inflation, reduce real wages, and hinder investment and job creation. This perspective favors a fiscal policy that protects people's purchasing power and standard of living, and criticizes the inaccuracy of the government's forecasts.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the government's tax packages and excise duty hikes, demanding a precise assessment of their impact on the budgets of specific families. The speaker acts as a staunch opponent of existing or proposed tax legislation (VAT, excise duties, fees, fines).
2 Speeches Analyzed