Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
Draft law amending the Act on the Election of Municipal Councils (639 SE) – First Reading
2025-09-11
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position focuses on abolishing residency requirements for local elections, considering them to be in conflict with the so-called "two chairs law." The speaker adopts a strong, value-based stance, calling the restrictions "relics of the feudal age." The goal is to ensure members of the Riigikogu have the freedom to run in the local government unit of their choice, regardless of their registered address.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of electoral legislation and its history, particularly regarding the objectives of the "two-seat law" and the impact of registration restrictions. The analysis is conceptual, focusing on the inconsistencies between the law's aims and its limitations.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker employs a passionate and personal style, utilizing appeals to emotion and emphasizing their deep connection to Pärnu ("I have loved Pärnu since childhood"). Strong, critical metaphors are used ("relics of the feudal age"), and the tone is direct, concluding with a challenging question directed at the presenter.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data is limited to two identically presented statements made on a single date, meaning that no conclusions can be drawn regarding regularity or frequency.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at the registration restrictions themselves, which are considered obsolete and contradictory. "Progressive parties" are also mentioned, recalling their earlier fight for the "two chairs law," hinting at a potential inconsistency in their current political stance.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strongly regional and personal, repeatedly emphasizing the connection to Pärnu ("I am from Pärnu," "I want to run for office in Pärnu"). Regional identity and the personal desire to run for office in Pärnu constitute the main argument against residency restrictions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is a lack of data regarding traditional social issues. The sole social framework present is the branding of residency registration restrictions as "relics of the feudal era," which points to a desire to abolish outdated social obstacles to the exercise of suffrage.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the amendment of the Local Government Council Election Act (639 SE). The speaker is aligned with the opposition, demanding the removal of residency registration restrictions in order to resolve the conflict with the so-called "two chairs law."
2 Speeches Analyzed