Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
A Better Protected Estonia
2025-10-08
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Information Hour
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional, focusing on the corruption and incompetence of the government (the Reform Party). The most crucial issues are border construction (they support cheaper and faster building) and avoiding the escalation of the NATO-Russia conflict, while questioning the necessity of invoking Article 4. The framework is strongly value-driven and results-oriented, accusing opponents of jeopardizing national security for the sake of their approval ratings.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the cost and timeline of border construction, highlighting the achievements of the EKRE-involved government in making construction cheaper. Furthermore, they are familiar with the alleged beneficiaries of major energy projects (wind farms) and the defense industry park, centering their discussion on issues of procurement and corruption. Historical political references (such as the 'plastic bag affair') are employed to criticize the actions of their opponents.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly aggressive, accusatory, and confrontational, utilizing sharp personal attacks and rhetorical questions ("Are you aware of the implications?"). The tone is urgent and alarmist, especially regarding issues of corruption and the threat of war. There is a strong appeal to emotions and morality, accusing opponents of foolishness and of endangering the lives of the people.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party and Kristen Michal, who stands accused of large-scale corruption related to major projects (the border, wind farms, the defense industry park). The criticism is intense and personal, linking the opponents to earlier scandals ("white sweaters and the plastic bag affair"). The opponents are also accused of compromising Estonian security by pushing the country toward war through the activation of NATO Article 4.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national security issues, such as border construction and airspace violations near Vaindloo. Additionally, nationwide large-scale projects are addressed, including offshore wind farms, onshore wind farms, and the defense industry park. The discussion is strongly linked to the context of international politics and NATO (with references to Rutte and the Russian conflict).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views are directed towards criticism of government spending, especially concerning large-scale projects (wind farms, defense industry park), which are considered corrupt handouts of money to political friends. The platform supports fiscal discipline and a more cost-effective state structure, citing the border construction carried out during the government that included EKRE as an example.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
It focuses on opposing the government's large-scale procurements and investments (such as the defense industry park and wind farms), accusing them of corruption and inefficiency. It supports the continuation of border construction, highlighting the previous administration's achievements in building it cheaper and faster. A significant focus is also placed on opposing the activation of NATO Article 4.
1 Speeches Analyzed