Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
Third Reading of the Draft Act on Amendments to the 2024 State Budget Act (389 SE)
2024-05-29
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The central theme is the sharp criticism of the government's financial policy and economic management, which is being labeled "total chaos." The speaker is strongly opposed to the draft amendment to the state budget (389 SE), viewing it as cynical sleight of hand that offers insufficient relief amid a declining economy and high inflation. This stance is clearly performance-based and values-driven, emphasizing the government's inability to lead the country and ensure the livelihood of the Estonian people.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in state finance and budgetary policy, referencing the persistence of the recession and inflation, and criticizing specific budget allocations made abroad. Examples are used regarding the government’s priorities, such as IT developments in Kenya and Afghanistan, contrasting these with Estonia’s domestic needs.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is extremely combative, critical, and accusatory, repeatedly employing emotional terms such as "chaos," "cynical," and "wretched little bill." The speaker uses irony and folksy comparisons (the crow's beer analogy) to emphasize the insignificance of the draft ("still better than plain water"). The appeals are aimed at emotions and highlighting the government's failures, accusing the coalition of using propaganda.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The information is limited to a single address given in the Riigikogu during the third reading of the bill amending the State Budget Act. There is no data available regarding the frequency of appearances, meetings, or travel.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main adversaries are the ruling coalition, especially the clique led by Kaja Kallas, Finance Minister Mart Võrklaev, and the Social Democrats (derisively referred to as "politicos"). The criticism targets both policy (wasting money abroad) and procedure (presenting the opposition with a fait accompli), and it is intense, including personal allusions (linking Võrklaev’s surname to the concept of "going under" or "sinking"). The speaker demands the government’s resignation and the inclusion of new, capable partners drawn from the opposition.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker stresses that the opposition is compelled to support the draft bill to avoid a propaganda attack that would portray their cooperation as occurring only under political pressure. Simultaneously, the government is being urged to invite members of the opposition to become new coalition partners if the current administration proves unable to manage things on its own. This signals a conditional willingness for cooperation at the governmental level.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on Estonia's domestic problems and the livelihoods of rural residents, contrasting this with the channeling of funds abroad (IT developments in Kenya, Afghanistan). Specific emphasis is also placed on the needs of Estonian teachers, emergency workers, and rural businesses (sawmills, shops).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker delivers a scathing critique of the government's economic and energy policies, which have resulted in three years of recession and inflation. They demand that funds be channeled toward ensuring the economic livelihood of the Estonian people and resolving domestic crises, rather than being spent on foreign IT projects. The stance is strongly focused on protecting domestic welfare and entrepreneurship, both of which are suffering due to the government's actions.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues, emphasis is placed on the need to ensure a decent economic livelihood and to raise teachers' salaries, which the draft bill only offers a meager amount for. Support for Estonian rescuers and residents of rural areas is also mentioned. The focus is on social justice and the state's obligation to assist its citizens during the economic crisis.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main focus is on the draft amendment act to the 2024 State Budget Act (389 SE), which the speaker fundamentally opposes, despite being forced to support it. The objective is to criticize the government’s budget priorities and redirect funds toward domestic needs, such as teachers’ salaries and support for rescue workers.
1 Speeches Analyzed