Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
Inquiry concerning immigration (No. 588)
2024-02-05
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary sitting
Political Position
The most prominent issue is immigration policy, which is being addressed with strong opposition, as it has led to negative social consequences and threatens the Estonian language and national dignity. The political stance is value-based and results-oriented, accusing the current policy of deteriorating public order and allowing the return of undesirable individuals (apparently recipients of international protection). The policy aims to strengthen the Estonian-language environment and demand respect for Estonians.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The expertise relies on personal experience and observation in everyday life (the grocery store). There are no references to data, statistics, or deep technical analysis of immigration policy, although the category of recipients of international protection is mentioned.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is emotional, personal, and confrontational, relying on a personal anecdote (the grocery store incident) and expressing direct offense. Strong emotional appeals are employed to highlight the negative consequences of immigration policy, and the overall tone is one of anxiety and accusation. The speaker poses rhetorical questions to underscore the seriousness of the situation and demand clear guidelines for behavior.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The information is limited to a single appearance within the scope of a Riigikogu inquiry regarding immigration on February 5, 2024. There is no data available concerning the frequency of appearances or other activity patterns.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the immigration policy of either the government or the opposition ("your immigration policy"), which is considered directly culpable for the return of those who violate public order. The criticism is intense and links the failure of the policy to personal insult, Russian-language obscenities, and national humiliation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient Data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is at the national level (the behavior of Estonians, the status of the Estonian language), even though a personal experience in a local grocery store is used as an example. The emphasis is placed on how international politics influences everyday life in Estonia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among social issues, immigration, public order, and language questions are at the forefront. The necessity is emphasized to maintain the Estonian-language environment and protect the dignity of Estonians from aggressive, Russian-language behavior associated with recipients of international protection. National self-assertion and solidarity are preferred.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on holding the government accountable for its immigration policy through a formal inquiry, which suggests a desire to change the current immigration regulations. Specific bills or amendments are not mentioned, but the priority is tightening immigration control.
2 Speeches Analyzed