Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
Inquiry regarding elementary school textbooks (no. 672)
2025-01-27
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance focuses on strong opposition to ideological censorship and dictatorship within the Republic of Estonia. The most crucial issue is the government’s (or the minister’s) attempt to dictate "scientifically justified" viewpoints, which is viewed as a values-based attack on freedom. The speaker asserts that all constitutional institutions, from the President down to the Supreme Court, are complicit in this ideological game.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of historical examples where science was ideologically misused, specifically highlighting Lysenkoism, Michurinism, and the scientific justification of communism. The analysis focuses more on identifying ideological pressure and censorship, rather than specific details of educational policy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely polemical, emotional, and provocative, drawing on strong historical parallels (Communism, Lysenkoism) to underscore the gravity of the situation. The speaker employs direct accusations, crude language ("little fools," "BS"), and rhetorical questions ("When are you going to shed your coat?") to discredit the opponent's authority.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of behavior indicates active involvement in the procedural work of the Riigikogu, particularly during interpellations, where the speaker employs protest and heckling to voice strong opposition to the minister's conduct. This suggests a pattern where parliamentary procedures are utilized as a platform for criticizing the ideological pressure exerted by the government.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the minister and, more broadly, the entire government apparatus, as well as constitutional institutions (the President, the Supreme Court), who are accused of complicity in an ideological dictatorship. The criticism is intense, ideological, and existential, demanding a complete change of heart ("changing one's stripes") from the opponent and ruling out compromise.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation is entirely lacking, as the address constitutes a direct protest and act of defiance against the government representative, accusing him of treating those asking questions "like a kindergarten." The speaker offers no compromise; instead, they demand the ideological capitulation and a change of course from the opposing party, citing American events as a model.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is directed towards state institutions and the ideological situation of the Republic of Estonia. The international context is also mentioned, with reference to events in America serving as an indicator of impending political change. Local or regional topics are not addressed.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speech indirectly addresses education (in the context of the textbook inquiry) and directly addresses social freedom and intellectual autonomy. The speaker strongly opposes state ideological pressure and censorship that demands citizens conform to specific viewpoints, drawing comparisons to totalitarian regimes.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is aimed at the scrutiny and accountability of the executive branch within the context of an inquiry regarding basic school textbooks. The speaker is primarily a critic and opponent of the government’s actions and conduct, rather than an initiator of new legislation.
1 Speeches Analyzed