Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
First reading of the Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Close the Temporary Control Line Between the Republic of Estonia and the Russian Federation" (722 OE)
2025-11-11
XV Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position is heavily focused on national security and the fight against immigration, viewing these as the primary sources of the Russification of Estonia and the expansion of the fifth column. While supporting Isamaa’s proposal to close the eastern border, this is considered only a partial measure, with demands for resolute and final solutions to control all borders. The framework is clearly value-based and security-centric, emphasizing the necessity of taking drastic steps.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of border control and immigration statistics, citing a specific figure (6,500 immigrants this year) and countries of origin (Ukraine, Moldova, Uzbekistan), based on the ERR news portal. Authority is asserted in the assessment of national security threats, emphasizing that GRU saboteurs and the fifth column primarily arrive via the southern and northern borders. Historical parallels (the American Civil War) are used to illustrate the dangers of importing slave labor.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, sharp, and penetrating, employing mocking and derogatory language toward opponents ("half-wits," "brains filled with mush," "fidgeting restlessly"). Emotional appeals and dramatic warnings are utilized (such as the takeover of Estonia in three hours), stressing that slaves will sooner or later revolt. Ideological conviction and principled stances are prioritized over detailed political analysis.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The discussion is taking place during the first reading of Riigikogu Bill 722 OE, in connection with which previous political initiatives are also mentioned (EKRE's earlier proposal to close the border). Reference is made to daily media monitoring (checking the news on the ERR portal in the morning).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are Isamaa and the Reform Party. Isamaa is criticized for promoting collective responsibility and offering half-baked solutions, as well as for its lack of principles regarding the Istanbul Convention. The Reform Party is directly accused of Russifying Estonia and importing slave labor. The criticism is intense and includes personal attacks (for example, descriptions of Reinsalu's behavior).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation with Isamaa is pragmatic and conditional: the bill is supported due to the principled stance regarding closing the border with the aggressor state, but it is emphasized that this does not inspire confidence. An opportunity for a reciprocal favor is offered, demanding Isamaa's support for the proposal to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention. They remain skeptical of compromises, preferring resolute solutions.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national security and border control, concentrating on the eastern border (the control line), the southern border, and the northern border, all of which are considered critical from a security perspective. There is mention of the Russification of Tallinn's streets, but there is no specific local or regional economic emphasis.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints are strongly tied to opposition to immigration, condemning the import of cheap labor, which is treated as the creation of slaves. It is warned that such a policy is irresponsible and leads to a domestic political crisis and rebellion, referencing the history of the United States.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
On social issues, the stance is extremely conservative and nationalistic, focusing on combating the growth and Slavization of the Russian-speaking population. They strongly oppose the Istanbul Convention, calling it the "pervo-convention" and a source of brainwashing for children, which promotes "rubbish about fluid genders."
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is supporting the draft bill (722 OE) concerning the closure of the eastern border, even though it is viewed as a half-measure. A second significant priority is the proposal to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention, which is being addressed as a fundamental matter of principle.
4 Speeches Analyzed