Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
Debate on the matter of national importance initiated by the Isamaa faction, titled "Estonia in Economic Recession. What is to be done?"
2024-02-15
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The most striking issue is the excessive administrative burden and the sheer volume of regulations stemming from the European Union. The political stance is strongly Eurosceptic, with the speaker arguing that the only way to reduce this burden is by leaving the European Union. This position is driven by the conviction that EU directives hinder national activity and act as mandatory sources of expenditure.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in legislative processes, noting that the majority of bills debated in the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) are linked to EU directives and guidelines. He/She also shows knowledge of the concept of administrative burden, citing the Food Industry Association and its obligation to comply with EU directives as an example.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is skeptical and critical, expressing extreme doubt regarding the feasibility of reducing the administrative burden within the EU framework. Provocative language is employed (such as leaving the EU), and a strong backlash from the audience is anticipated ("the purists are already getting their hackles up"). To describe the sheer volume of regulations, a colloquial expression is used: "they're coming out of the woodwork."
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data is limited to a single speech, but the speaker emphasizes their long-term experience in the Riigikogu, noting that they are serving their third term in the chamber. This points to consistent participation in the legislative process and debates.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is directed at the European Union's institutions and directives, which are viewed as the source of mandatory burdens and expenditures. Criticism is also reserved for domestic "orthodoxes" who are susceptible to questioning the legitimacy of EU membership. The criticism is intense and politically radical, proposing withdrawal from the EU as the solution.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on international issues, particularly the impact of European Union regulations on Estonian lawmaking and the economy. The Food Association (Toiduliit) is mentioned as a specific example of a sector burdened by EU directives.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives focus on the necessity of cutting administrative burdens and costs stemming from European Union directives. The speaker advocates for a radical reduction in regulation, believing this can only be achieved by leaving the EU. This indicates a strong preference for minimizing excessive state or governmental intervention in the economy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed at the origin of the bills being processed by the Riigikogu, emphasizing that the majority of them stem from the requirements and demands of the European Commission and the EU. The speaker is highly skeptical of this process and wishes to eliminate the source of the legislative burden imposed by the EU.
1 Speeches Analyzed