Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
Security
2025-02-19
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th sitting, information briefing
Political Position
The political position is strongly security-centric, opposing the draft amendment to the law on churches and congregations because it poses a direct threat to Estonia's territorial integrity and could provoke the Russian side's fifth column. The speaker emphasizes that NATO is essentially paralyzed and the allies are impotent, which makes the maintenance of internal security critical. This is a value-based position, prioritizing the prevention of state destabilization.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the history of relations between the Estonian and Russian Orthodox Churches, referring to the policy of positive engagement with Russia during the era of Toomas Hendrik Ilves. He is competent in security and geopolitical issues, using terms such as "fifth column" and presenting a deductive assessment regarding NATO's paralysis and the non-functioning of Article 5. He also refers to specific statements made by Russian political leaders (Putin, Slutsky).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely combative, and the tone is urgent and alarming, utilizing strong expressions such as "the most direct security threat" and "impotent allies." Deductive reasoning and historical parallels (Crimea, Ilves’s policies) are employed to support the arguments, while opponents are accused of demagoguery. The speaker uses emotional appeals, referencing nuns and the danger of losing Ida-Virumaa.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The scope of activities is limited to participation in the Riigikogu session in February 2025, during which the first reading of the draft law on churches and congregations was discussed. No other activities were undertaken.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at the government and the coalition, who are accused of creating the current precarious security situation and processing a dangerous bill. The criticism is high-intensity, accusing opponents of pursuing a policy aimed at "bringing Russia to its knees." Separately, the Speaker of the Riigikogu is criticized for failing to find time to receive the nuns' petition.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is confrontational; there is a lack of willingness to compromise, as the speaker demands the topic be taken off the table. It is mentioned that opposition colleagues from Isamaa have also contributed to the emergence of the current situation in the past, indicating limited trust even towards opposition partners.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is heavily directed towards Ida-Virumaa, which is viewed as a zone of direct security threats, and the potential loss of which is emphasized in connection with the issue of the Russian Orthodox Church. Narva is also mentioned in relation to Putin's claims.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among social issues, immigration is addressed, emphasizing that the over 100,000 Orthodox followers (referred to as Russians) brought to Estonia from Eastern Ukraine pose a serious security threat due to their unchecked backgrounds. Religious matters (the Russian Orthodox Church) are viewed solely as an instrument of national security and foreign influence, rather than from the perspective of religious freedom.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently directed toward opposing the draft act amending the Act on Churches and Congregations, which is undergoing its first reading. The speaker is a strong opponent of the draft and demands the removal of this issue from the agenda, citing security considerations aimed at preventing internal destabilization.
4 Speeches Analyzed