Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
Foreign policy
2024-09-25
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, press briefing
Political Position
The political position is heavily focused on foreign policy and the conflict in the Middle East. The speaker supports Israel’s right to self-defense and accuses the Estonian government of escalating the war and aligning itself with Russia, Iran, and North Korea. The position is strongly value-driven, utilizing "axis of evil" rhetoric to criticize opponents. The primary emphasis is on defending the rules-based world order, while simultaneously calling into question the Estonian government's understanding of that order.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of complex foreign policy issues, such as Israel's right to self-defense, Hezbollah's activities, and the rules-based international order. They employ international geopolitical terminology (e.g., "axis of evil") and reference specific countries (Russia, Iran, North Korea, the USA) to support their arguments. This expertise is utilized to portray Estonian foreign policy as a dangerous and illogical step.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is highly aggressive and accusatory, utilizing strong emotional appeals and accusations of demagoguery. The speaker employs ironic metaphors (e.g., "a mosquito on a bull's horn") and poses rhetorical questions to brand the opponent's viewpoints as absurd. The tone is confrontational, and the objective is to discredit the opponent's positions, rather than engage in logical discussion.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is insufficient data regarding the frequency or patterns of occurrences, with the exception of a single instance noted in a formal assembly.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition's stance is extremely hostile and highly personalized. The main targets are government representatives (Tsahkna, Vseviov), who are directly accused of lying and aligning Estonia with the "axis of evil." The criticism is based on policy and values, and the intensity of the attacks is high, with the opposition labeling the opponents' explanations as "demagogic" and "absurd."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no data on cooperation, willingness to compromise, or an inter-party coalition.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is exclusively on international foreign policy issues, covering the Middle East conflict, the Israeli-Palestinian issue, and Estonia's relations with the US and other major powers.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is no data on economic views, taxes, trade, or budgetary discipline.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is no data available regarding domestic social issues (e.g., education, immigration, civil rights).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speech does not focus on specific legislative priorities, draft laws, or proposed amendments, but rather addresses a critical issue concerning foreign policy.
1 Speeches Analyzed