Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
Supporting Ukraine
2024-10-23
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, information briefing
Political Position
The political focus is on supporting Ukraine, emphasizing that the current financial and material aid is insufficient. The most pressing issue is considered to be Ukraine's manpower shortage at the front. The speaker strongly and urgently supports developing a plan that would direct Ukrainian men liable for military service residing in Estonia (estimated 5,000–7,000 men) back to their country to fight, for example, by not extending their temporary protection status.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a thorough understanding of the war situation in Ukraine by highlighting frontline reports, statistics on manpower shortages, and Ukraine's internal mobilization efforts. Specific data is utilized, referencing various estimates regarding casualties (ranging from 700,000 to one and a half million men) as well as the number of men currently residing in Estonia (5,000–7,000). Furthermore, specific needs are stressed, such as engineers and repair workers, due to the damage sustained by the energy system.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is pressing and anxious, emphasizing the gravity and desperation of the situation in Ukraine, referencing the lowering of the mobilization age and the removal of exemptions there. The rhetoric relies on both emotional (the horrors of war) and logical appeal, utilizing specific, albeit estimated, data (e.g., 700,000 – 1.5 million casualties). The style is formal (presented in the form of a question) and demands a clear action plan from the government.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity is limited to a single instance (23.10.2024), which was submitted in the form of a question to a member of the government (Kristen Michal), referencing the parliamentary session.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is directed against the government's inaction concerning Ukrainian military conscripts residing in Estonia, demanding a clear vision and plan from the government. The speaker criticizes the situation where these men "enjoy international protection here" and receive support funds, while evading fighting for their own country. The criticism is policy- and procedure-based.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The collaborative approach emphasizes the necessity of coordinating actions with the Ukrainian government via diplomatic channels to prevent any brutal or unilateral intervention. Preference is given to demonstrating initiative (such as the non-extension of temporary residence permits), provided it has been pre-negotiated with the partner, to help Ukraine address its manpower shortage.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly international (the war in Ukraine, front-line reports, and other European countries) and national (the Estonian government's policy on granting international protection). There are no references to local or regional topics within Estonia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There are no economic perspectives mentioned, apart from a reference that Ukrainians residing in Estonia receive support funds, which is tied to a social and security issue. It is mentioned that financial aid to Ukraine is insufficient, stressing the need for manpower, including engineers and repair workers, to restore energy systems.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue is the status of international protection and war refugees, especially concerning Ukrainian men liable for military service. The speaker prioritizes Ukraine's national defense needs, asking why these men are enjoying protection and benefits in Estonia instead of fighting for their own country.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is centered on demanding an action plan from the government and taking political steps concerning the extension of temporary residence permits and international protection. The speaker is the initiator, calling for a change in existing policy to help Ukraine address its manpower shortage.
2 Speeches Analyzed