Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
Draft law amending the Political Parties Act and the Credit Institutions Act (585 SE) – first reading
2025-03-18
Fifteenth Riigikogu, fifth sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is fiercely opposed to the draft bill under discussion (likely related to ERJK and the financing of political parties), which is viewed as undemocratic and an instrument for controlling forces unfavorable to the regime. The central theme is the defense of the health of democracy and the principles of the rule of law, highlighting foreign interference (USAID) and the massive funding of ideological NGOs. The position is strongly value-driven, accusing the opposing side of corruption and discrimination.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the control of political party financing (specifically, the composition and powers of the ERJK) and parliamentary procedure (ministerial attendance). He supports his arguments with references to media articles (Äripäev, Postimees), Norstat surveys, and international political cases (AfD, Wilders, Le Pen).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker’s style is extremely combative, accusatory, and emotionally charged, employing strong phrases such as "dull-witted talk" and references to "the most corrupt political party." The rhetoric focuses on the opponents' corruption and anti-democratic nature, supporting these claims with references to international examples (AfD, Wilders, Romania) and sociological surveys (Norstat). The speech makes heavy use of rhetorical questions and accusations of engaging in displacement activity.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participated in the March 18, 2025, sitting, repeatedly interjecting with remarks and raising procedural questions concerning the draft legislation under debate. The minister's absence from the chamber during the discussion of the bill was also noted.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is intense and directed against the ruling party (or the bill's proponent), which has been labeled "the most corrupt party" and "the regime." The criticism is primarily moral and procedural, accusing the opponents of establishing undemocratic control mechanisms and discriminating against EKRE concerning its fitness to govern. The opponents' legitimacy is being undermined by citing their low support (below 2%).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There are no indications of cooperation; the speaker's style is purely confrontational, focusing on attacking the opposition, particularly regarding the makeup of the ERJK and the undemocratic character of the proposed legislation.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The primary focus is on domestic political issues (the state of democracy in Estonia, the composition of the ERJK) and international comparisons. Examples are drawn from Europe (Romania, AfD, Wilders, Le Pen) and US foreign interference (Joe Biden's dictatorship, USAID).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
No direct economic views are presented, but there is strong criticism of the massive funding of ideological NGOs by foreign states (USAID), which undemocratically influences Estonian politics. The corruption of the opposition party is also criticized.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the bill currently under discussion (585 SE, concerning the Political Parties Act and the Credit Institutions Act), because it creates control mechanisms and grants the ERJK excessive powers. The speaker emphasizes that their party has previously introduced bills to the chamber for organizing referendums and popular consultations, thereby supporting direct democracy.
7 Speeches Analyzed