Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
Reconsideration of the Act Amending the Act on Churches and Religious Communities (570 UA), Not Proclaimed by the President of the Republic
2025-05-14
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is on the Act amending the Churches and Congregations Act (570 UA), the adoption of which in its unamended form is meeting strong opposition. This position is value-based, emphasizing that the law is too "rubbery" (meaning overly broad or flexible) and allows for its unfair use against others, even though the necessity of punishing Russia's aggression is agreed upon. The main issue is perceived as the law's potential threat to canonically subordinate churches, as illustrated by the hypothetical example of the Catholic Church.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of international politics and the canonical subordination of religions, referencing the election of a new pope, the Russia-Ukraine negotiations in Istanbul, and U.S. involvement (Marco Rubio). This knowledge is used to create a complex speculative scenario designed to demonstrate the shortcomings of the law.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style of discourse is analytical and speculative, using a theoretical extreme example (the Pope supporting Russia) to highlight the law's shortcomings. The tone is critical and demanding, posing a direct question to the opposing side to either confirm or refute their position. Emphasis is placed on logical argumentation against the vagueness of the law ("rubber law").
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity is limited to participation in the legislative debate on May 14, 2025. The speech references recent events, such as the election of the new pope and the upcoming international negotiations in Istanbul, which demonstrates active engagement with current affairs.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponent is the "coalition," which intends to re-adopt the law in its unchanged form and force it through. The criticism is aimed at the substantive vagueness of the law and its potential for misuse, rather than being directed at a personal level. The opposition is intense, focusing on the procedure used to push the law through and its dangerous scope.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no data on cooperation or readiness for compromise; the focus remains on sharply contesting the coalition's bill and testing its limits through hypothetical questions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on international relations (Russia's aggression, Ukraine, the Istanbul negotiations, US involvement) and their impact on Estonian domestic legislation. Specific local or regional topics within Estonia are not addressed.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The text addresses issues concerning religious freedom and the legal status of churches, stressing the need to protect canonically subordinate churches from compulsory state liquidation. This stance defends civil liberties against the vague and broad interpretation of the law that might lead to the prohibition of churches.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on opposing the Act amending the Churches and Congregations Act (570 UA), which the president had refused to promulgate. The speaker is a strong opponent of the bill, criticizing its vague wording and demanding its amendment to prevent its potential misuse.
3 Speeches Analyzed