Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Move the Embassy of the Republic of Estonia in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem" (325 OE)
2024-09-23
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is deeply value-driven, centered on supporting Israeli sovereignty and the immediate relocation of the embassy to Jerusalem. The speaker sharply criticizes the current inconsistency in Estonian foreign policy and the erosion of sovereign decision-making power, particularly concerning the UN vote where Estonia aligned itself with Russia. Relocating the embassy is viewed as a necessary step that demonstrates support for an ally and national sovereignty.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in the history of the Middle East conflict and international law, citing specific events (the 1947 UN resolution, the 1967 and 1973 wars, the Oslo and Camp David agreements). They also possess knowledge of diplomatic practice, criticizing the Foreign Minister's lack of authority and interference in the internal affairs of other nations (Georgia). The speaker mentions previous work experience at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs prior to the year 2000.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is passionate, confrontational, and at times prophetic, employing strong emotional and religious appeals (a warning of God's punishment for those who raise a hand against Jerusalem). Historical parallels (Tallinn/Narva, Bonn/Berlin, the Crusades) and personal anecdotes are used to emphasize the importance of national sovereignty and the continuity of foreign policy. The tone is critical, describing the foreign policy situation as a "cacophonous result" and "a goat between several haystacks."
9 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The presented speeches are part of the discussion of the Riigikogu (Parliament) draft bill. The speaker refers to their previous experience at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (prior to 2000) and their personal, repeated visits to Israel. They note that the Foreign Affairs Committee has not requested clarification on the topic from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs this week, suggesting a lack of information.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponents are the current Estonian foreign policy leadership and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who face criticism for inconsistency, lack of authority, and meddling in the internal affairs of another country (Georgia). Strong criticism is also aimed at the European Union member states who support the two-state concept, and whose alignment led Estonia to an "embarrassing" position in the UN alongside its "arch-foe, Russia." The Palestinians are described as a party playing a destructive role.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is critical, emphasizing the need for independent, sovereign decision-making, rather than submitting to contradictory signals coming from Brussels or Washington. The speaker demands that Estonia act as an independent, sovereign state, and not as an "appendage" of allies or other organizations. There are no references to cooperation with other parties in the Riigikogu; instead, the expectation is that the bill will be voted down.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily international, centering on the Middle East conflict (Israel, Jerusalem, Gaza, the West Bank) and Estonia's relations with its major allies (the USA) and international organizations (the EU, the UN). Estonian domestic issues (Tallinn, Narva) are utilized solely to illustrate the principle of national sovereignty.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
9 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are addressed within the framework of religious and cultural identity, stressing the importance of Jerusalem as the capital of the Christian world and the city of Jesus Christ. The speaker expresses the desire that this cradle of Christianity would not fall under Muslim rule, and links the relocation of the embassy to the recognition and consolidation of Estonian cultural identity.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the Riigikogu draft resolution (325 OE) concerning the relocation of the embassy to Jerusalem. The speaker is a strong proponent of this initiative, viewing it as a necessary step both to support Israel and to restore clarity to Estonian foreign policy.
9 Speeches Analyzed