Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
Inquiry Regarding Latvian Red Beetles in Estonia (no. 796)
2025-09-15
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political focus is heavily directed towards the issues surrounding the management of invasive species and predators, as well as the crisis in Estonian food security and rural life. The speaker urgently demands the declaration of a state of emergency in agriculture and the development of corresponding financial support measures. The position is clearly results-oriented, criticizing the government's priorities which favor the defense industry over supporting rural areas.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates specific knowledge regarding the behavior and history of invasive species (the raccoon dog, the cougar, and the Spanish slug), providing examples of the harm they cause (rabies, livestock predation). Concrete statistics are presented showing the decline in pork self-sufficiency (from 75% to 35%), underscoring the scale of the food security crisis. Furthermore, expertise regarding the risks associated with the spread of transboundary diseases is highlighted.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is insistent, anxious, and at times dramatic, blending logical arguments (the spread of diseases, the collapse of self-sufficiency) with emotional illustrations (the theft of a raccoon fur hat, a rotten potato). Historical examples and strong, value-based concluding remarks are utilized, such as the maxim, "As long as the Estonian village lives, the Estonian nation lives," underscoring the existential importance of the subject.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively engaged within the framework of a parliamentary inquiry, utilizing this platform to expand the topic from red deer to the broader issues of invasive species, predators, and the agricultural crisis. This pattern of activity demonstrates direct pressure on the government to implement swift and extraordinary measures.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The criticism is aimed at the inaction of the government and the Minister of Rural Affairs in resolving the agricultural crisis and identifying the underlying problems. The government's financial priorities are particularly sharply criticized, specifically those funneling money to Ukraine and the defense industry while leaving rural life unsupported. Furthermore, the unhealthy attitudes of urbanized society towards nature are also being criticized.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperative approach is assertive, directed at the government and the minister, demanding that they collectively develop emergency measures and support packages. There is no mention of cooperation with other parliamentary factions; the focus remains on pressuring the executive branch.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is heavily placed on preserving Estonian rural life and agriculture and ensuring national food security. Specific rural problems are mentioned, such as wolves preying on sheep flocks and potatoes rotting due to the unfavorable summer.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints emphasize the need for emergency government subsidies for the agricultural sector to prevent the collapse of rural life and widespread job losses. The primary goal is to maintain food security and increase the level of self-sufficiency, which has drastically fallen because of swine fever (dropping from 75% to 35%).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Regarding social issues, the conflict between predator control and animal protection is addressed, noting that the unhealthy attitude of urbanized society towards nature creates contradictions. The importance of preserving the diversity of rural life is also emphasized.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary focus is demanding that the government introduce proposals for declaring a state of emergency in agriculture and develop corresponding financial support packages. It is also demanded that the problems associated with invasive species and conventional species moving across the border be mapped, and that eradication measures be developed.
4 Speeches Analyzed