Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
Continuation of the first reading of the draft resolution (679 OE) of the Riigikogu, "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Urgently Develop the Suspension of E-voting"
2025-11-10
XV Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The most prominent theme is the credibility of elections and democratic principles. The speaker strongly objects to the forced imposition of trust in those administering the elections, emphasizing that the people are the ultimate sovereign. This position is value-based, focusing on the voters' right to trust election organizers and demanding systemic change. The political stance is highly critical of the current situation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the organizational side of elections, mentioning specific institutions such as the Election Commission and the Election Service. The expertise focuses more on democratic and procedural rights, inquiring about mechanisms that would allow the removal of untrustworthy officials. No data or statistics are utilized, but the principles governing the operation of a democratic state are emphasized.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is critical and urgent, employing strong analogies (the wind farm example) to underscore the injustice of the situation. It utilizes both emotional appeals (the public's distrust) and logical references to democratic principles and the supreme authority of the people. Rhetorical questions are posed and accountability is demanded, particularly concerning the work of the commission.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data is limited to two brief statements made in the Riigikogu during the debate on the same draft bill in November 2025. One statement was a longer, substantive argument, and the other was a procedural question. The data is insufficient for assessing broader patterns of activity.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the election administrators (the Election Commission and the Election Service) and those who dismiss the voters’ distrust by claiming it is the voters’ own problem. The criticism is both procedural and political, focusing on the lack of any mechanism to remove the election organizers from office. The intensity of the attacks is high because the situation is viewed as violating fundamental democratic principles.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker focuses on demanding accountability and raising procedural questions, particularly concerning the committee's work. There are no references to cooperation with colleagues or other political parties. Information regarding a willingness to compromise is absent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strictly national, addressing the fundamental democratic principles and electoral procedures of the Republic of Estonia. Specific regions, industries, or local issues are not mentioned.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In the context of social issues, emphasis is placed on voters' rights and democratic freedoms, particularly concerning electoral trust and the status of the people as the ultimate sovereign power. The focus is on protecting citizens' rights through guaranteeing the integrity of the electoral system.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the bill to suspend e-voting (679 OE) and, more broadly, the need to amend the election law. The speaker calls for legislative mechanisms that would allow voters and candidates to remove untrustworthy election officials from office. The speaker is a supporter of this specific bill or an active advocate for this issue.
2 Speeches Analyzed