Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
Draft law amending the State Audit Act, the Political Parties Act, and other laws (control body for political party funding) – first reading.
2025-06-04
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position centers on strong opposition to the current activities of the Party Financing Supervision Committee (ERJK), which are deemed absurd, ideologically biased, and corrupt. The speaker firmly supports the abolition of the ERJK and the transfer of its functions to the National Audit Office, a plan that was also pursued by their previous government. The framework of the issue is strongly value-based, emphasizing political bias and a lack of balance, particularly regarding the unfair representation of the Social Democrats.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the mechanisms for the oversight of party financing and related legal interpretations, criticizing the composition of the ERJK (three Social Democrats) and its exceeding of its mandate. Particular emphasis is placed on the treatment of media coverage (e.g., TV3 debates, profile stories in magazines) as a prohibited donation. Reference is also made to a previous legal assessment concerning the suitability of these functions for the National Audit Office.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely combative, emotional, and informal, employing strong negative descriptors such as "absurd," "silly," and "corrupt scheme." The speaker utilizes historical analogies (Lenin, the collapse of Soviet power) and figurative language to depict opponents as a corrupt "regime" and the ERJK as its tool. The appeal is directed primarily at emotions and political confrontation, stressing the necessity to "sharpen the axes" and cut through the roots of the regime.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker refers to previous activities, including the creation of the show "Räägime asjast" and the subsequent payment for it following pressure from the ERJK. He notes the constant presence of opponents in the media, citing as examples former military personnel appearing in "Ukraine studios" and representatives of the Reform Party participating in TV3 political debates. This points to continuous monitoring of media activity and analysis of the opponents' actions.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at "Reform's yoke government" and its satellites, especially the ideologically biased ERJK (Committee for the Supervision of Party Financing), which is labeled "a tool of the regime." Criticism is also directed at specific social democrats (Liisa Oviir, Kaarel Tarand) due to their political imbalance and "dizzying successes." The attacks are intense, ideological, and personal, ruling out any compromise with the current system, which must be liquidated.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker referenced earlier cooperation within their coalition, noting that a decision had previously been made to transfer the functions of the ERJK (Political Parties Financing Surveillance Committee) to the National Audit Office. In the current situation, they support the opposition's draft legislation but express profound skepticism toward the government's bill, anticipating only cosmetic changes. This suggests a willingness to collaborate solely with political forces sharing a similar orientation.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Not enough data
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are framed through the lens of political party financing oversight, specifically criticizing the ERJK for labeling media coverage (such as profile pieces and debates) as a "prohibited donation." This suggests resistance to regulations that restrict political activity and demand payment for such activities, and further, a corrupt scheme is suspected concerning the financing of SALK.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker strongly defends the Foundation for the Protection of Family and Tradition (SAPTK), criticizing the ERJK for exceeding its mandate by demanding accountability and money from an unrelated organization. This shows strong support for social organizations promoting traditional values and opposition to their political harassment.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is supporting the opposition bill (599 SE), which aims to abolish the ERJK and transfer its functions to the National Audit Office. The speaker is an active proponent of this change, viewing the current system as corrupt and requiring immediate elimination. He anticipates the government will respond with a counter-bill containing only cosmetic amendments.
4 Speeches Analyzed