Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
Inquiry regarding the financing of Russian-language Delfi and ETV+
2025-03-17
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political focus is heavily centered on nation-state ideology, language policy, and media funding. The speaker opposes state-funded Russian-language media (ETV+, Delfi), labeling it propaganda, and demands the complete eradication of the Russian language from Estonia's linguistic environment. These positions are intensely value-driven and highly critical of the government's actions, accusing them of playing the fool when dealing with language and citizenship issues.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in media financing and editorial organization, citing the ERR budget (60 million euros) and the standard practice of editorial meetings. Furthermore, they are familiar with the concept of strategic communication (stratcom) and provide examples from international politics (US Vice President Vance, Donald Trump’s actions) regarding media freedom. They also refer to their personal experience working in journalism.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetoric is extremely combative, confrontational, and emotional, employing sharp accusations and personal attacks. The speaker appeals to "people with common sense" and presents the responses as purely formal and ridiculous. International examples (US Vice President Vance, Donald Trump) are used to support their positions on the topic of media freedom.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The course of action focuses on holding the government accountable through a parliamentary interpellation (No. 715). The speaker refers to regular media criticism and personal observations from daily life, such as receiving a multilingual document and the spread of the Russian language in smaller towns. Reference is also made to previous interpellations (Rain Epler).
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is aimed at the government, particularly the Reform Party and Eesti 200, who are accused of corruption, incompetence, and hypocrisy. The attacks are intense and encompass both political failures (immigration, language policy) and ethical violations ("Slava Ukraini affair," money laundering). The speaker demands the immediate resignation of the government.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The capacity for cooperation is entirely absent; the speech is purely confrontational and uncompromising, focusing on exposing the government's failures. The speaker demands the government's resignation and the seeking of a new mandate, which rules out the continuation of the current coalition.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus remains at the national level (the linguistic environment, state media funding), but the policy's failure is illustrated using regional examples. Particular emphasis is placed on the enormous proliferation of the Russian language in Tallinn, Haapsalu, and Võru, which is attributed to government policy.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic commentary focuses on criticizing state expenditures concerning media funding. The speaker sharply criticizes the allocation of approximately 60 million euros to ERR and the subsidizing of private media outlets (Delfi, Postimees), calling it a waste of taxpayer money used to commission propaganda.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue revolves around language policy and immigration, with demands for the complete eradication of the Russian language and opposition to offering services in foreign languages. The speaker criticizes the government's policy, which has resulted in a massive influx of Russian speakers, particularly from Eastern Ukraine. Furthermore, the hiring of staff from Russian-language media outlets (including Russian citizens) into state-supported media is also criticized.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is both procedural and political, centered on holding the government accountable via parliamentary inquiry. The primary objective is demanding the government's resignation and seeking the mandate to form a new administration, rather than initiating specific legislative drafts.
6 Speeches Analyzed