Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
Inquiry concerning the intention to deploy the Defense Forces to Ukraine (No. 814)
2025-11-10
XV Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government's intention to send a combat unit to Ukraine as part of a "coalition of the willing," viewing this as a constitutional crisis and an abuse of power. Strong emphasis is placed on the sovereignty of the Riigikogu and the question of the Estonian people's permission (a high-stakes mandate), prioritizing Estonian independence and the nation’s prosperity. The conflict is intensely value-based, focusing on constitutionality and civilian control over the power structures.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of Riigikogu procedures (referencing recently adopted mission bills) and the constitutional order (sovereignty, balance of powers). Specific socio-economic data regarding the level of poverty in Estonia is utilized, noting that the number of people living below the poverty line has increased by 8,000, and 44,000 people must manage on less than 365 euros per month.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is highly combative, accusatory, and emotional, employing powerful metaphors (e.g., Margus Tsahkna as a "skin merchant" and the "Kaporatuur coup d'état"). Rhetorical questions and the unmasking of euphemisms ("coalition of will") are repeatedly used to call into question the legitimacy of the government's actions. Appeals are made to morality and conscience, emphasizing the abnormality of the government's conduct.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The individual appears before the Riigikogu within the framework of an interpellation, citing active participation in lawmaking (draft legislation concerning missions) and regular meetings with the government ("both during information hours and formal inquiries"). The established pattern involves consistent criticism of the government's actions and accusations of incompetence.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, and the governing coalition, who are accused of violating the constitution and abusing power. Tsahkna is directly referred to as a "huckster" and the government a "globalist clique." The criticism is intense, focusing on procedural illegality and personal accountability, ruling out compromise in the context of a constitutional crisis.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data. The speaker focuses on attacking the government and defending the Riigikogu's institutional sovereignty against the executive branch, without mentioning cooperation with other political parties.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national sovereignty, the impoverishment of the Estonian people, and the international stage (the war in Ukraine, NATO). Specific Estonian regional issues are not referenced, emphasizing the need to address Estonia's prosperity and independence.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Strong opposition to the government's economic policy, which has led to the impoverishment of the Estonian people and increased the number of people living on the poverty line. It is demanded that the government focus on transforming Estonia into a prosperous and independent state, instead of increasing financial burdens and suffering.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The increase in immigration is cited as one negative consequence of government action, compounding the financial burden and job losses. A moral framework is employed, criticizing the "globalist clique" for their lack of conscience and emphasizing moral sovereignty.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is on safeguarding the sovereignty and constitutional order of the Riigikogu against government actions, particularly concerning the authorization of foreign missions for the defense forces. The speaker opposes the government's attempts to put the Riigikogu in a bind when approving the deployment of a combat unit.
3 Speeches Analyzed