Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (536 SE) – second reading
2025-02-25
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The speaker is strongly opposed to the draft act on amending the Constitution (536 SE), calling it a "botch job" that cements an absurd and contradictory provision regarding electoral restrictions into the Constitution. The position is primarily value-based, emphasizing the protection of constitutional order and the rule of law (as opposed to arbitrary power), and criticizing the short-sightedness driven by political expediency. He fundamentally supports methods of pressure against local supporters of Russian aggression but finds the draft bill to be ineffective and dangerous.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of constitutional law, particularly in the areas of electoral rights, citizenship (grey passport holders), and freedom of religion and conscience. Separate emphasis is placed on knowledge concerning Russia's new citizenship registration portals and their impact on Estonian security. Furthermore, reference is made to legal problems arising from the commented editions of the constitution and the establishment of arbitrary law.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is extremely combative, emotional, and forceful, utilizing strong and derogatory expressions (e.g., "mess," "mindless," "corrupt") to describe the opponents' actions. The appeals are directed primarily at morality and conscience, as well as constitutional logic, rather than focusing on data or facts. The speaker employs direct address and rhetorical questions, accusing the coalition of establishing arbitrary rule and engaging in corrupt schemes.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the Riigikogu debate, referencing legislative deliberations from both the current week and last week (the Church and Congregation Act). He/She is aware of the planned speeches and topics of other colleagues (e.g., Seeder), which indicates continuous and intensive parliamentary work.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is leveled against the ruling coalition, who stand accused of being hated and despised by the populace, and engaging in short-term "behind-the-scenes deals" to force the legislation through, pointing to the corruption of the political system. The criticism is both political (opportunism, ineffective lawmaking) and procedural (the establishment of arbitrary rule). The speaker demands the coalition withdraw, ruling out any possibility of compromise.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker references colleague Seeder, who shares similar concerns regarding the voting rights of third-country nationals, which demonstrates a degree of cooperation across opposition lines. There is absolutely no cooperation with the coalition; instead, the coalition is being accused of collusion.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strongly on the national (Estonian Constitution, suffrage) and international levels, addressing Russia's aggression, the possibilities of acquiring Russian citizenship, and the status of citizens from third countries (e.g., Palestinians, Eritreans). Local or regional topics within Estonia are absent.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker focuses on issues of citizenship and voting rights based on security considerations, criticizing the draft bill that would grant suffrage to stateless persons—the so-called "grey passport holders"—who may possess parallel Russian citizenship. They also criticize the previous legislative amendment in the context of freedom of religion, thought, and conscience (the Churches and Congregations Act).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is opposing the draft act on amending the Constitution (Bill 536 SE), with him serving as a strong opponent of the measure. Furthermore, he criticizes the amendment to the Churches and Congregations Act, which was passed last week and which, in his estimation, violates the Constitution.
4 Speeches Analyzed