Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
Interpellation concerning the unified Estonian school (No. 13)
2024-01-15
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session.
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional, focusing on resistance to the methods used for the transition to Estonian-language education, which are viewed as the destruction of the education system. They demand the cessation of the use of the aggressor state's language on official Estonian state websites and as the language of official administration. The position is strongly value-based, emphasizing the preservation of the backbone and foundation of the nation-state, alongside criticism of the government's incompetence.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a detailed understanding of the practical issues facing the education sector, particularly the workload placed on teachers by inclusive education and the restructuring of the school network in rural areas. It is argued that the transition to Estonian-language education is paradoxically being achieved by undermining Estonian-language education itself, citing teacher overload and class compositions that include students who are not proficient in Estonian. Furthermore, a specific figure (2000) is mentioned regarding teachers who are unqualified to teach in Estonian.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
Highly confrontational, accusatory, and personal, employing condescending and derogatory expressions toward the prime minister ("Only the grave will probably cure the hunchback"). The tone is urgent and dramatic, predicting national catastrophe and relying on strong emotional appeals and historical narratives (e.g., Tammsaare). Sharp criticism is leveled against the parliament (Riigikogu) for having become an irrelevant body.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
They actively participate in parliamentary inquiries, utilizing this platform for pointed criticism of the government and the presentation of political demands. They reference their prior experience answering questions during the information hour as Deputy Prime Minister to underscore the current government's falling standards.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary target is Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and the government, who face intense criticism both for their policies (the destruction of education, the unchecked proliferation of the aggressor state's language) and their personal style (arrogance, incompetence). They are accused of malicious intent and acting on the instructions of "evil globalists" or the "deep state," which rules out any possibility of compromise. The attacks are highly personal and intense, suggesting she is unqualified for the office of prime minister.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national policy, but concern is expressed regarding the regional education network. It criticizes the closure of small rural schools and the contraction of the school network in the counties, linking this to the destruction of Estonian-language education.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
A strong focus is placed on defending Estonian-language education, while criticizing inclusive education as a scheme designed to destroy Estonian schools and place an overwhelming burden on teachers. They demand an end to the use of the aggressor state's language and the revocation of voting and gun rights for citizens of the aggressor state, arguing this is necessary to prevent the distortion of the political situation.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on scrutinizing the government's actions via interpellation, highlighting the necessity of amending the legislative framework regarding the use of the aggressor state's language and the rights of its citizens. Key demands involve restricting the voting rights and firearms rights of citizens of the aggressor state.
5 Speeches Analyzed