Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
Draft law amending the Waste Act and, in consequence, amending other laws (657 SE) – first reading
2025-06-16
XV Riigikogu, V Session, Plenary Sitting
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to Bill 657 SE (Amendment to the Waste Act), labeling it an "eco-fascist bill." It is emphasized that legislation must take into account the specific characteristics of different population groups and living environments, contrasting a resident of a Lasnamäe apartment building with a person living near the forest. The position is framed by skepticism regarding environmental over-regulation, pointing to the historical experience where the planet survived even without strict sorting.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates practical knowledge of historical and contemporary waste management methods, citing examples from childhood waste disposal (burying, dry toilets) as well as their personal experience with sorting. Their expertise is more experiential and anecdotal, rather than technical or data-driven. They are able to differentiate between urban and rural waste generation patterns.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is combative and ironic, employing strong emotional terms like "eco-fascist bill" and a sarcastic reference to the "attempt to save the planet." Historical examples and personal recollections (such as childhood waste management and dry toilets) are used to appeal to common sense and foster skepticism. Although the speaker claims to sort their own trash, the overall tone is confrontational and demanding.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data is limited to a single session day, during which one longer speech and three short remarks were made concerning the draft Waste Management Act. Other activity patterns (meetings, travel) are absent.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed against the initiators and supporters of the bill, who are accused of creating an ecofascist draft law that fails to take specific characteristics into account. The criticism is intense and focuses on political overregulation and the lack of differentiation. Instead of compromise, they are demanding the withdrawal of the bill and its complete revision.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is a lack of willingness to cooperate, as the speaker is demanding the withdrawal of the draft bill and its thorough differentiation. There is no information available regarding the search for cooperation or compromise with other political forces.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is directed at internal differences within Estonia, contrasting densely populated urban areas (Lasnamäe) with rural areas (on the edge of the forest). It is emphasized that legislation must take into account the specific characteristics of these different living environments and the varying waste generation by residents.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Regarding social issues, the focus is placed on the fairness of regulations and how they impact various population groups, particularly residents in rural areas. Emphasis is placed on the need to consider the traditional lifestyles of older individuals (referred to colloquially as "mutikene") and their independent waste management practices (burning, composting), which subsequently reduces their obligations.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently directed at opposing the draft amendment to the Waste Act (Bill 657 SE). The speaker is a strong opponent of the bill, demanding its withdrawal and differentiation so that the obligations are tailored to the needs and responsibilities of various population groups.
4 Speeches Analyzed