Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
Draft law amending the Act on Termination of Pregnancy and Sterilisation (459 SE) - First Reading
2024-11-11
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position strongly focuses on the protection of life from conception, relying on Albert Schweitzer's principle of "reverence for life." The speaker strongly supports the Bill for the Amendment of the Abortion and Sterilization Act (459 SE) and defends its sponsors against the misrepresentations of opponents. The position is intensely value-driven, emphasizing the sanctity of the will to live and opposing brutal intervention.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of ethical philosophy, referencing Albert Schweitzer and his Nobel Prize-winning principle of "reverence for life" to justify their position. A statistical counter-argument regarding the number of pregnancies resulting from rape is also presented, although no specific data is provided to support it.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style of speech is predominantly combative, accusatory, and emotional, especially directed at coalition members, who are referred to as spiteful and living in a fantasy world. Philosophical authority (Albert Schweitzer) is employed to establish an ethical and logical justification, but this is subsequently followed by a shift to personal defense and casting doubt on the motives of opponents. The tone is confrontational and demands that the opposition thoroughly engage with the subject matter.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are coalition MPs, who are accused of malice, evading the core issue, and criminally distorting the objectives of the proposed bill. The criticism is intense and personal, specifically accusing the opponents of disparaging and ridiculing the concerns and aspirations of families with many children. The opponents are clearly instructed to "come out of their fantasy world."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker demonstrates strong cooperation with Varro Vooglaid, the presenter of the draft bill, addressing him directly and seeking confirmation of their shared understanding regarding the opponents' negative behavior. The collaboration is supportive and aimed at defending a shared value-based position.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The socio-political focus centers on an anti-abortion stance, which is grounded in respecting and protecting the inherent will to live of the fertilized ovum. Furthermore, strong emphasis is placed on safeguarding the concerns and aspirations of large families (multi-child families) and condemning the disparagement directed at them by opponents.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is the support and defense of the draft act (459 SE) amending the Law on Termination of Pregnancy and Sterilization. The speaker is acting as an advocate for the bill, refuting opponents' claims that the intention is to prohibit something or drive people toward illegal activities.
3 Speeches Analyzed