Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
First reading of the draft resolution "Establishment of a Riigikogu investigative committee to examine the security of the Riigikogu e-election process" (576 OE)
2025-04-21
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is heavily directed against the e-voting system, which is widely regarded as untrustworthy and lacking proper control. The speaker is demanding the complete abolition of the system and the implementation of paper ballots only, viewing the establishment of an investigative commission as a solution that is far too lenient and incomplete. This stance is strongly value-driven, underscoring the necessity of restoring faith in the democratic process.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of election procedures and statistics, referencing a public opinion poll and the increase of the electorate by 90,000 people prior to the last elections. Emphasis is placed on the lack of control and transparency surrounding e-voting, particularly concerning the intermediaries and filters involved. It is alleged that e-votes are introduced into the elections from an enormous, uncontrollable reservoir.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is direct, forceful, and combative, utilizing strong literary comparisons (e.g., "half-farters") to discredit moderate solutions. The appeals rely heavily on public distrust (citing the 42% poll result) and suspicions regarding election manipulation. The argumentation is rapid and demands a clear conclusion, rather than prolonged stalling.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data is limited to one appearance in the Riigikogu chamber in April 2025, where they participated in the first reading of the draft bill.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at the defenders and supporters of the e-voting system, as well as those proposing half-measures (such as an investigative commission). The arguments put forth by opponents are dismissed due to the lack of oversight and suspicions of manipulation, with reference to the growing electorate serving as a potential reservoir for adding votes. The opposition is intense and uncompromising, demanding the complete abolition of the system.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strictly at the national level, addressing the Estonian electoral system in its entirety.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is public trust in democratic processes, emphasizing that nearly half of society does not trust e-voting. This lack of trust is presented as the fundamental reason for abolishing the system.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on Riigikogu Draft Resolution 576 OE (concerning the formation of an investigative committee). The speaker is critical of this, considering it inadequate. The priority is to abolish e-voting and change the law to permit only paper ballots.
3 Speeches Analyzed