Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
Open mic
2025-09-23
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position centers on strong opposition to the court ruling in the Kert Kingo expense compensation case, which is viewed as political persecution and a disregard for established parliamentary practice. The speaker stresses the violation of the principles of the rule of law, where laws are superseded by the arbitrary interpretations and comments of officials. This is a value-based stance that warns against Estonia moving towards Stalinism and authoritarian regimes. The platform is strongly oppositional and anti-establishment.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the Riigikogu's internal practices, particularly the historical use and rules governing expense reimbursements across various parliamentary terms. Legal argumentation is also highlighted regarding the hierarchy between statutes and their annotated editions (legal commentaries). Examples are presented concerning the past use of expense reimbursements, such as car leasing, purchases made at souvenir shops, and covering the costs of refreshments/catering.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style of rhetoric is extremely combative, dramatic, and urgent, employing strong emotional appeals (e.g., "the road to hell," "the path to Stalinism"). Extreme comparisons (Stalinism, North Korea, Putin's Russia) are utilized to underscore procedural and legal problems. The speech concludes with a direct insult aimed at the opponents' intellectual capabilities, emphasizing a personal and uncompromising tone.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speech was delivered during the open mic session, referencing the regular rhythm of parliamentary work. Mention was made of the custom of submitting procedural questions in the Riigikogu chamber every Monday.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the judicial system (the judge) and unnamed officials/lawyers, who are accused of trampling on laws and interpreting them arbitrarily. The criticism is intense and systemic, accusing the opponents of political persecution directed against a specific member of parliament. The opponents are accused of turning Estonia into an authoritarian state where "telephone law" (rule by influence) and "arbitrary law" (rule by whim) prevail.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is exclusively on national and international topics, examining the state of the rule of law in Estonia and comparing it with authoritarian regimes (Russia, Belarus, Venezuela). Regional or local focus is absent from the speeches.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data. The talk concerns the practice of using expense allowances (car leasing, gifts, office supplies, legal assistance), but does not provide an overview of broader economic perspectives.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is procedural and defensive, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to the current practice and rules regarding the Riigikogu's expense compensation. The speaker strongly opposes changing laws through comments or arbitrary interpretation, stressing that 51 votes from members of parliament are required to amend legislation.
2 Speeches Analyzed