Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
Inquiry Regarding the Security of the Southeastern Border Region of Estonia (No. 729)
2025-05-19
15th Riigikogu, Fifth Session, Plenary Session.
Political Position
The political focus is on the security of the border region of Southeast Estonia and halting the population decline in Southern Estonia, demanding investments in housing stock and social guarantees. The speaker is strongly opposed to the government’s actions, accusing them of unpreparedness and the recent failure in the Gulf of Finland. The criticism is primarily aimed at the government's poor performance and ethical values, calling it an "utterly corrupt Reform Party regime."
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the history and financing of the build-out of the eastern border, contrasting the Reform Party’s showcase sections with the actual initiation of construction by the previous government (EKREIKE). They are familiar with the financing and implementation issues of major infrastructure projects (Rail Baltic, Tartu Highway) and possess a detailed understanding of the recent security incident in the Gulf of Finland, analyzing the complexity involved in seizing the tanker.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is extremely aggressive and confrontational, employing personal and humiliating accusations (e.g., "demagogic drivel," "irresponsible morons"). The speaker relies heavily on emotional appeals and charges of corruption, preferring simple, forceful language over detailed data analysis. The presenter uses repetition and exclamations to underscore the government's incompetence ("You are not ready for anything!").
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively utilizes parliamentary oversight mechanisms, having participated in an interpellation concerning the security of the Southeast Estonian border region. The rhythm of the speech is reactive, focusing on recent national events and the government’s alleged failures, such as the incident that took place last week in the Gulf of Finland.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are Kristen Michal and the Reform Party, who are being labeled a corrupt regime and a group unfit to govern the country. The criticism is intense and personal, accusing the prime minister of dodging responsibility and failing to manage the country's leadership. The opponents are also accused of corruption and embezzlement, thereby ruling out any possibility of trust in them.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The willingness to cooperate is entirely absent; the speaker defends the actions of the previous EKREIKE government (construction of the eastern border, road funding) and sharply opposes the current government. The speaker does not refer to any bilateral or cross-party cooperation.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus is placed on the border areas of Southeast and South Estonia, emphasizing the need to halt population decline and ensure a security buffer in those regions. The impact of Nursipalu on the local will to defend and the decline in property prices in South Estonia are also noted. Furthermore, the financing for the construction of the Tartu highway towards Mäo into a four-lane road is cited as an example.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly anti-corruption, accusing the government of laundering and stealing money through public procurements (Rail Baltic, Eastern Border). They support aligning investments with reality, opposing large, corruption-prone projects. Criticism is also directed at high-ranking national defense officials moving into the defense industry for financial gain.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus is on the necessity of social guarantees and investments in the housing stock in border areas to halt population decline and ensure the livelihood of residents. The Nursipalu development is strongly criticized, which, in the speaker's opinion, has severely harmed the defense readiness of Estonians.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main focus is on holding the government accountable through an interpellation to get answers regarding real investments aimed at retaining the population in rural areas. The speaker emphasizes the achievements of their previous government in launching the construction of the eastern border and financing the final section of the Tartu highway.
7 Speeches Analyzed