Agenda Profile: Mart Helme

Strong opposition to the state budget bill (511 SE), which is considered an intentionally opaque, incomprehensible, and corrupt instrument used solely for fattening up political insiders. The political focus is on the effectiveness of the government’s activities, emphasizing that life has gotten worse over the last three years. The previous regional policy funding model (known as 'roof money' or earmarks) is being defended as the most transparent mechanism available for supporting the grassroots level. Regarding security issues, the rushed build-up of the defense industry is criticized as outright theft of funds, with critics pointing to the earlier liquidation of our own domestic industry.

The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the transparency of the state budget and the criticism leveled by finance specialists (e.g., Aivar Sõerd) and the Auditor General. Furthermore, he possesses historical expertise concerning the Estonian defense industry (Arsenal) and previous defense policy decisions (specifically, the closure of the factory 25–30 years ago). He deliberately makes references to the confusion surrounding the defense budget among military experts and sergeants.

Highly combative, emotional, and personal, utilizing strong accusations of corruption and theft. The speaker employs contemptuous and personal language toward opponents, referring to them as "little children" and hinting that they need to step away from politics. Appeals are made to personal memories (Arsenal, a Russian general's prediction), contrasting the speaker's own experience with that of the younger, inexperienced political generation.

The speaker is actively participating in the Riigikogu debate during the second reading of the budget, presenting critical viewpoints. Reference is made to the speaker's previous activities, both as a ministry official and as a Member of Parliament, such as supporting the Anna Church and raising questions regarding the closure of the defense industry. Furthermore, reference is made to the publicly shared positions of experts (the Auditor General, Aivar Sõerd).

The main opponent is the Reform Party and the government, who are accused of damaging the Estonian political landscape, deceiving the public, and turning the state budget into a corrupt instrument. The criticism is both political (lack of budget transparency) and personal, demanding that the opponents step down from politics. The attacks are intense and direct, ruling out any compromise, as the budget itself is being labeled an instrument for theft.

The speaker respectfully relies on and refers to the criticism leveled by Auditor General and finance specialist Aivar Sõerd regarding the budget’s lack of clarity, thereby demonstrating a willingness to share perspectives with experts. There are no references to cross-party cooperation in supporting the draft bill; instead, emphasis is placed squarely on opposing the ruling coalition.

The importance of regional policy and support for the grassroots level are emphasized, citing as an example the funding provided by discretionary grants (katuseraha) for replacing the floor of Anna Church. This example serves the purpose of defending the former funding system by highlighting its benefits to local communities.

Concerning fiscal policy, the view is that the current government is using the state budget to enrich its own circle and for corrupt financing, rather than for transparent public administration. They support the previous system of pork-barrel spending as an effective and transparent instrument for funding regional policy. According to the speaker, the general state of the economy has deteriorated under the government’s management, resulting in a worsening quality of life for the average citizen.

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The main focus is on the draft act amending the State Budget Act (511 SE), which is strongly opposed. The aim is to expose the draft's lack of transparency and corrupt nature, and to defend the former system of 'roof money' (katuseraha) as a model for financing regional policy.