Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
A written request for a vote of no confidence in Justice and Digital Minister Liisa-Ly Pakostale, submitted by 42 members of the Riigikogu.
2025-06-12
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
There is strong opposition to the government's actions, particularly concerning the accountability and inaction of the Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs regarding the Pihlakodu investigation and the handling of the prison issue (the renting of Swedish prisoners). The political focus has been forcefully shifted toward the government's incompetence and its avoidance of responsibility, demanding political control over the work of public officials. Criticism is mainly aimed at the government's poor performance and perceived value-based injustice, with those in power being accused of engaging in mafia-like cronyism.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the justice sector, particularly regarding the activities of the prosecutor's office and the extent of political control. The detailed discussion concerns prison administration, including the processing of asylum applications, the costs of medical services, and security risks. Reference is made to Swedish sources concerning the timeline for prison agreement negotiations, indicating possession of certain background information.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
Extremely combative, emotional, and containing personal attacks, using strong insults (e.g., "sociopathic narcissist," "only half a brain in that head"). The speaker uses dramatic language and hyperbole ("as a banana republic," "social and security catastrophe") to emphasize security threats. The focus is on accusations, exposing lies, and demanding that the minister leave immediately ("Out the door!").
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is actively participating in the debate on the motion of no confidence, using it as a platform for extensive criticism of the government's actions. Reference is made to the use of Swedish sources to acquire information regarding the duration of the prison deal negotiations. The speaker demonstrates a willingness to take the floor repeatedly and at length in order to emphasize their positions.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed squarely at Justice Minister Liisa-Ly Pakosta, the Reform Party, and Eesti 200, who stand accused of engaging in a "ring defense" (mutual cover-up) and manipulating the public through falsehoods. The criticism leveled against them is both political (concerning the prison agreement and the Pihlakodu investigation) and personal/moral (citing lying, cynicism, and outright stupidity). Compromise is ruled out, with demands for the immediate resignation of the minister and the entire government due to a complete loss of public confidence.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker agrees with the position of the previous speaker, Tõnis Lukas, that the entire government has lost public trust, which points toward the creation of a united opposition front. Direct cooperation with the coalition partners is not mentioned; the style is purely confrontational and uncompromising.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The primary focus is on national justice and security matters, but a specific regional threat is introduced, citing the potential release of 600 criminals in the city of Tartu. The Pihlakodu case is being treated as a national issue that has shocked society.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Criticism is aimed at the government's fiscal incompetence, particularly concerning the Swedish prison agreement, which is viewed as being rented out for "peanuts." It is stressed that the Estonian taxpayer has to cover the medical and transport costs for the prisoners, which is unacceptable smoke and mirrors.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
A strong emphasis is placed on social security and law enforcement, warning against the social and security catastrophe that would accompany the importation of Swedish prisoners. It is stressed that the release of 600 criminals, cutthroats, and rapists would destabilize Estonian authority and sow chaos, drawing an analogy to the events of 1940. Intervention is demanded to prevent the impunity seen in the Pihlakodu case.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is not on legislation, but on political control and accountability. There is a demand that the minister summon the Prosecutor General to review the investigation plan for the Pihlakodu and Lehtme cases, emphasizing that this constitutes political oversight, not interference.
3 Speeches Analyzed