Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
Validity of the Constitution
2024-09-18
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, press briefing
Political Position
The political position centers on the absolute protection of the Constitution and its non-interpretability, strongly opposing the restriction of constitutional rights—especially the right to use property—under the pretext of achieving climate goals. This stance is strongly value-driven, emphasizing the sanctity of the Constitution as the unwavering pillar of statehood. The speaker regards the Estonian Constitution as excellent and the very foundation of a democratic rule of law.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker establishes authority in the field of constitutional law by referencing the history of the constitution’s creation (the Constitutional Assembly, the referendum) and its foundational role for the rule of law. He/She stresses his/her own meticulous reading of the constitution and sharply criticizes vague legal definitions, such as "within the limits of reasonableness."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is sharp, critical, and forceful, employing strong emotional language (e.g., "unbelievable," "terrifying") to characterize the claims made by the Chancellor of Justice. They appeal both to logic (a careful reading of the constitution) and to a broader sense of alarm, referencing the distortion of democracy in Western society (e.g., the Elon Musk quote). Rhetorical questions are employed, and a very clear answer is demanded.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participated in a debate or session held on a single day, submitting repeated questions and comments regarding the interpretation of the constitution. This pattern of activity suggests active involvement in discussions taking place in the parliamentary chamber, where the viewpoints of institutions are addressed.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise, whose views are considered alarming and unconstitutional, and generally all institutions temporarily holding office (prime ministers, chancellors of justice) who permit the political interpretation of the constitution. The criticism is intense and principled, absolutely rejecting any right to interpretation on political grounds.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation is deemed necessary with the President, the Chancellor of Justice, and other institutions mandated to uphold the constitution, in order to reach a unified conclusion—one that can be communicated to the public—regarding the non-interpretability of the constitution. The speaker calls for consultation to achieve a clear, singular position, rather than a compromise on constitutional principles.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is exclusively on the national level, examining the validity of the constitution and the roles played by key Estonian institutions (the Chancellor of Justice, the Prime Minister, and the President). A broad international context is also employed, drawing comparisons to the state of democracy in Western society and the United States (specifically mentioning Elon Musk).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic positions are expressed through the vigorous defense of the right to use property, opposing its restriction for political reasons, such as achieving climate targets. Property rights are inherently viewed as a constitutional right.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the protection of constitutional and property rights against state objectives (climate goals). The speaker strongly emphasizes the impermissibility of restricting citizens' constitutional rights when the political climate shifts.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is aimed not at creating new laws, but rather at strictly adhering to the existing constitution and ensuring its unambiguous nature. The objective is to achieve unified, public communication among institutions opposing the voluntaristic implementation of the constitution.
3 Speeches Analyzed