Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
The situation in the country
2025-03-12
The 15th Riigikogu, fifth sitting, information briefing.
Political Position
The speaker is in strong opposition to the government, questioning the prime minister's legitimacy and warning of the erosion of democratic traditions. The main points of emphasis are controlling state spending and the immediate cessation of support directed at Ukrainian war refugees, followed by their return to Ukraine. The political framework is strongly value-based, warning against the imposition of the "Reform yoke."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates awareness of political procedure by criticizing the absence of a coalition agreement and the time consumed by processing draft legislation. The issues of aiding Ukraine and terminating support for war refugees are also addressed, with reference to approximate figures (over 100,000 refugees, at least 10,000 of whom are men).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, confrontational, and skeptical, employing strong emotional warnings regarding the collapse of democracy (citing Romania as an example) and the "Yoke of Reform." The speaker accuses the government of engaging in utopian rhetoric and lacking legitimacy, while simultaneously stressing the necessity of adhering to political rituals and customs.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Data is available regarding only one appearance in a parliamentary debate (2025-03-12), during which the Chairperson and the Prime Minister are addressed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the government and the prime minister, who are accused of lacking legitimacy and ignoring democratic procedures. Criticism is also directed at the policy of the Reform Party ("The Yoke of Reform") and unrealistic tax reduction promises, which are considered utopian. The intensity of the attack is high, indicating a systemic threat.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Data is missing because the speaker is in strong opposition and is focused on attacking the government and calling its legitimacy into question.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national issues (the costs of the Estonian state, government legitimacy) and international questions (aid to Ukraine and the refugee issue). In the context of democratic values, Romania is highlighted as a negative example.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is skeptical of the government’s promises of tax cuts, dismissing them as utopian talk, especially since there is no coalition agreement or draft legislation yet. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of controlling expenditures related to "state costs." A specific fiscal proposal is to cease paying all benefits to Ukrainian war refugees currently residing in Estonia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the matter of Ukrainian war refugees, where the speaker is demanding the termination of all support and benefits for the more than 100,000 people. Furthermore, consultations with Ukraine are being demanded to ensure that the men currently residing here (allegedly 10,000) and women of childbearing age are directed back to Ukraine, either to the front lines or to participate in rebuilding the country.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker is criticizing the government's legislative activity, citing the absence of a coalition agreement and the resulting time expenditure required for processing draft legislation. The primary demand is to stipulate in the new coalition agreement a decision to cease all benefit payments to Ukrainian war refugees.
2 Speeches Analyzed