Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
Draft law amending the Act of the Chancellor of Justice and the Prosecutor's Office Act (524 SE) – first reading
2025-01-14
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is aimed at increasing state transparency and ending the mania for official secrecy (AK). The speaker urgently demands the full disclosure of the expenditures and activities of constitutional institutions and high state officials (including the Chancellor of Justice and the Prosecutor General), contrasting this with the strict control imposed on elected representatives. This stance is strongly value-based, emphasizing the principles of equal treatment and the rule of law. Criticism is also directed at state theft and corruption, highlighting the Nordica case.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates competence regarding the transparency of state spending, the control of expense accounts, and legislative processes, drawing on examples from both personal experience and major corruption cases (such as Nordica). Specific attention is drawn to the lack of transparency in the financial management of security agencies (Kaitsepolitsei/Internal Security Service, Foreign Intelligence Service) and the Defense Forces. Reference is also made to the war-related experiences of the last three years concerning arms procurement.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker’s style is highly combative, critical, and emotional, utilizing strong expressions such as "total secrecy mania," "black boxes," and "the only fools." Arguments are supported by personal anecdotes (expense reimbursements, the beer bottle incident) and historical examples (Nordica, Georg Ots), all of which emphasize unequal treatment. The tone is urgent and accusatory, indicating that the situation has worsened and officials consider the Riigikogu (Parliament) to be merely a "rubber stamp."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker’s patterns of activity indicate active involvement in Riigikogu debates, where they use the platform to deliver extensive criticism. There is mention of a prior working lunch with representatives of Estonian agricultural producers (specifically, pig farmers), and reference is made to events that occurred during the previous term of the Riigikogu, suggesting the utilization of past political experience.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary targets of criticism are the Government, the Riigikogu committee (for rejecting the draft legislation), and high-ranking state officials (Permanent Secretaries, Defence Forces commanders), who are accused of a lack of transparency and corruption. The criticism is intense and highly accusatory, branding officials as potential "state thieves and scoundrels," while only members of the Riigikogu are seen as being subject to control. No willingness to compromise has been expressed; instead, there is a demand for the government to react immediately to parliamentary initiatives.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style in this context is confrontational, especially towards the government and the committee that rejected the bill. Emphasis is placed on the right of a parliamentary faction to initiate topics and the government's obligation to respond, even if the initiative comes from only one faction. Reference is made to the Estonian Conservative People's Party's (EKRE) previous predictions regarding Nordica, which points to internal party unity.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily national, centering on the activities and transparency of Estonian state institutions (the Security Police Board, the Defense Forces, and various ministries). A specific sector of Estonian agriculture (pig farmers) is also mentioned in the context of a prior meeting, but this is not the main subject matter. Furthermore, international military experience is referenced in connection with the procurements made by the Defense Forces.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives center on the transparency of public spending and the fight against corruption, particularly within state-owned enterprises (Nordica). There is sharp criticism regarding the misappropriation of funds and the failure to exercise due diligence, alongside a demand for strict control over officials' expenses (receipts, taxi fares). Furthermore, the inefficient procurement decisions made by the Defense Forces are criticized (high costs for low volumes of equipment).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is supporting the draft act amending the Chancellor of Justice Act and the Prosecutor's Office Act (524 SE), the goal of which is to increase the financial transparency of high-ranking officials. The broader objective is to initiate legislative amendments that would put an end to the departmental secrecy obsession (AK) and establish equal control mechanisms for all state institutions.
3 Speeches Analyzed