Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
First Reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Develop the Procedure for Paying an Additional Annual Lump-Sum Pension Supplement to Pensioners" (678 OE)
2025-11-03
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political stance is strongly oppositional, focusing on the government’s (Reform Party/Kaja Kallas) failure to deliver on its 2023 election promises (1000 euro pension, tax-free pension, nursing home placement). Social measures (such as the pension supplement) are dismissed as merely a temporary sticking plaster on a wound, while urgently demanding the removal from power of a government that has lost the people’s support. The criticism is primarily aimed at the government’s ineffective performance and fundamental injustice.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the social sector budget and pension policy, referencing specific promises and taxation limits (€776). Significant financial shortfalls in infrastructure are also highlighted (1.35 billion euros for road and rail construction), along with questionable expenditures within the Ministry of Defense, citing the observations made by the Auditor General.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely confrontational, emotional, and accusatory, employing strong language directed at the government and corruption ("gang," "stealing," "rottenly corrupt"). Colorful and negative metaphors are utilized (e.g., "recidivist drunk driver," "rats seeking burrows"), and the disgraceful state of the elderly is heavily emphasized. There is a strong appeal to emotions and the sense of injustice, with the goal of mobilizing pensioners against the government.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Speeches were delivered during the first reading of Riigikogu Draft Bill 678 OE, which concerns an additional one-time pension supplement for pensioners. Reference was made to the recent local elections, and the actions of the Office of the Speaker of the Riigikogu in compiling the agenda were criticized.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main target is the governing coalition, specifically the Reform Party and Kaja Kallas, who stand accused of breaking promises and robbing the state. The criticism is extremely intense, encompassing political failures, corruption allegations, and personal attacks (such as labeling government supporters as "robbers"). Compromise is out of the question, as the only solution is the removal of this "gang" from power.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker commended Lauri Laats (Centre Party) for his initiative concerning the pension supplement, thereby demonstrating support for the opposition's draft bills. The overall focus, however, is aimed at mobilizing the public (specifically pensioners) against the ruling parties, stressing that those currently in power are failing to support the elderly.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national social and economic problems (the pension system, Rail Baltic, Ministry of Defence expenditures). Regional examples (Rae municipality, Pärnu city) are used to illustrate the ruling parties' losses in local elections, referring to the loss of their "fiefdoms."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views are strongly social, leveling sharp criticism at government expenditures—billions of which are funneled to "wind profiteers" and "military contractors," in addition to the Rail Baltic project. They advocate for eliminating the taxation of pensions and increasing social benefits, while simultaneously accusing the government of the corrupt squandering and outright theft of public funds.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social focus is on the well-being and dignity of the elderly, disabled people, and young families. There is a demand for the promised social benefits (a pension of 1000 euros, care home places) to be guaranteed, and the state's moral failure toward these groups is being criticized.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The immediate legislative priority is to support Draft Bill 678 OE (an additional one-time pension supplement for pensioners), even though this is viewed merely as symptomatic treatment. The broader objective is to change the pension taxation system and redirect state expenditures toward the social sector, all while anticipating the coalition will vote the bill down.
3 Speeches Analyzed