Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
First reading of the draft law amending the Whistleblower Protection Act on Breaches of European Union Law and the Act on International Sanctions (EU restrictive measures directive) (584 SE)
2025-03-25
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is strongly opposed to the government’s actions and focuses on the alleged absence of the rule of law in Estonia. The speaker sharply criticizes the moral and political accountability of high-ranking officials (Kaja Kallas, Lehtme) and views the bill under discussion (584 SE) as yet another step toward censorship and societal control. The position is strongly value-driven, underscoring the violation of the principles of freedom and democracy both in Estonia and across the European Union.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise on the functioning of the rule of law and constitutional institutions, referencing their previous work as the head of the special anti-corruption commission. A distinction is drawn between the legal treatment of responsibility and moral and political responsibility, arguing that in a state governed by the rule of law, these should carry equal weight. The discussion also addresses the shortcomings and delays in the proceedings conducted by law enforcement agencies (the Prosecutor’s Office, KAPO, and the Central Criminal Police).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is highly combative and sharply critical, employing emotional appeals and direct accusations aimed at the government. The speaker utilizes irony and historical parallels (the Soviet era) to undermine the concept of the rule of law and pejoratively refers to the bill as the "informers' law." The theme of "rubber definitions" ("Kremlin-minded") and the topic of doubts/hesitations is employed to demonstrate the arbitrary interpretation of the legal system.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in Riigikogu debates, participating in the first reading of the bill and posing critical questions to the Minister of Justice. His previous activity as the head of the special committee against corruption is mentioned. Reference is made to the faction meeting where it was decided to propose the suspension of the bill under discussion.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the ruling coalition and its top politicians (Kaja Kallas, Lehtme, the Minister of Justice, the Minister of the Interior), who are accused of moral irresponsibility and undermining the rule of law. The criticism is intense, focusing on the background of the individuals (the Minister of the Interior’s Moscow background) and the alleged cover-up of corruption. The opposition’s stance is uncompromising, accusing the coalition of seeking to limit the opposition’s right to speak.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Information regarding cooperation is unavailable; the speaker’s position is purely oppositional, sharply criticizing their coalition colleagues as "two-color seers." The speaker referenced an intra-faction decision to discontinue the draft bill, which demonstrates internal unity in their resistance.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is split between national (the state of the rule of law in Estonia, political scandals) and international/European Union topics. Reference is made to the import of EU directives, and examples are provided from the political situations in Germany (monitoring of the AfD), Romania (the removal of a presidential candidate), and Austria (sanctions against the Freedom Party) to illustrate the decline of European democracy.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views have been presented as opposing the regulation, arguing that the draft bill allegedly restricts the freedom of enterprise for businesses. Sharp criticism is also leveled against doing business with Russia (referencing the ventures of Kaja Kallas's husband), linking this to the moral shortcomings of high political officials.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
On social issues, emphasis is placed on civil liberties and the threat of political repression in the workplace directed at EKRE members, who fear employer retaliation. Opposition to immigration and the label "homophobe" are also cited as examples of "elastic definitions" used for political labeling and the persecution of political parties (AfD).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is opposing Bill 584 SE (the Directive on Restrictive Union Measures), commonly referred to as the "Whistleblower Law." The speaker is the initiator of the opposition, planning to propose, along with the faction, the termination of the bill's proceedings, arguing that it represents a move toward censorship and control.
7 Speeches Analyzed