Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu concerning the appointment of members of the Estonian National Broadcasting Council from recognised experts in the field of activity of the Estonian National Broadcasting. (643 OE)
2025-05-14
15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position centers on strong opposition to the Reform Party's style of governance, which is characterized as an arrogant, hypocritical, and law-breaking "regime." The specific stance is to vote against the candidates for the ERR Council (Rebane, Nõgene), who are viewed as the party's loyal propagandists rather than neutral experts. This position is deeply value-based, emphasizing the struggle against dictates, mainstream ideology, and the singular interpretation of laws. The speaker predicts the imminent collapse of the current regime, drawing a comparison to the era of perestroika in the Soviet Union.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in political propaganda, media influence, and recent history (specifically the Soviet Union's perestroika). The working procedures of the Riigikogu committee are also addressed, emphasizing that decisions were not reached by consensus and that laws must be interpreted unequivocally. The expertise is focused on political analysis and highlighting the opponents' past (for example, joining the Communist Party).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style of speech is extremely combative, accusatory, and emotional, utilizing strong negative terms such as "Reform Party arrogance," "hypocrisy," and "perverse regime." The appeals are primarily emotional and ideological, relying on historical analogies (Communist Party membership, the perestroika of the Soviet Union) and the demonization of opponents as propagandists. The style is aggressive and personal, focusing on attacking the motives and the past of the opposing side.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speech was delivered during the first reading of the Riigikogu bill. It mentions participation in a recent session of the Culture Committee, where the expulsion of Varro Vooglaid from the ERR council was discussed. Broader patterns of activity (such as regular press conferences or travel) are not evident from the speech.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party, which is intensely criticized both procedurally (violations of law, arbitrary interpretation of statutes) and ideologically (dictat, mainstream ideology). Criticism is also aimed at individuals, especially Raul Rebane, who is demonized for spreading deceitful, distorting propaganda and for his former membership in the Communist Party. Compromise is ruled out, as the government is described as a perverse regime whose end is near.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Details about the cooperation style are scarce, but the speech concludes with an appeal for support directed at those Riigikogu members who vote against the Reform Party's propagandists. There is no information available regarding inter-party cooperation or any readiness to compromise with the governing parties.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely on domestic issues, primarily the composition of the ERR Council and the interpretation of laws in Estonia. Regional focus is absent; only the international context is mentioned (Donald Trump, the perestroika of the Soviet Union) as symbols of global change.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are framed as resistance against "mainstream ideology" and the "perverse undertakings of liberal democracy." It is emphasized that opponents are mocked and accused for holding views that do not conform to the dictates of the Reform Party.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on the opposition to the draft bill (643 OE) regarding the appointment of members to the ERR council. More broadly, attention is focused on highlighting and condemning the alleged legal violations by the Reform Party (including draft legislation related to surveillance cameras). Furthermore, there is resistance to attempts to remove opposition members (Varro Vooglaid) from various councils.
2 Speeches Analyzed