Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
First Reading of the Draft Act Amending the Law Enforcement Act (163 SE)
2024-03-06
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is centered on the fight against the subjugation of women, demanding the prohibition of burqas and niqabs, which are viewed as items that force women into a state of semi-slavery. This position is strongly value-driven and sharply contrasts with the priorities of liberal parties, such as the right to same-sex marriage. The speaker stresses the necessity of regulating social problems before they fully manifest within Estonian society.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the growth of the Muslim community in Estonia, citing data from the Security Police (KAPO) and providing an approximate figure (10,000 or 12,000 people). To back up the argument, specific, though anecdotal, violent incidents are utilized, such as a Syrian man tying a woman to a radiator.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaking style is highly aggressive, employing emotional and loaded phrases, such as "forcing women into a state of semi-slavery" and describing the liberals' struggle as fighting "until the blood runs from their nose." The speaker employs rhetorical questions to cast doubt on the opponents' motives, intellect, and integrity, implying foolishness, lack of empathy, and duplicity.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are "liberal parties" and "the current liberal coalition builders," who are intensely criticized for their choice of priorities and for ignoring social issues. The criticism targets the opponents' moral and intellectual standing, accusing them of a lack of empathy and outright hypocrisy. The opposition is absolute, given that even the commission's proposal to reject the draft bill is being criticized.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national social and public order issues in Estonia, particularly concerning the growth of the Muslim community and incidents of violence linked to immigration. These topics are discussed within a broader European context, highlighting that the degradation of women is occurring in 21st-century Europe.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Immigration-related issues dominate the social agenda, highlighted by references to violence among Muslims and citing KAPO warnings about the community's growth. The speaker supports banning burqas and niqabs to protect women and criticizes the liberal focus on LGBTQ+ rights (the right to same-sex marriage).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the Draft Act amending the Law Enforcement Act (163 SE), which seeks to prohibit burqas and niqabs. The proponent is a strong supporter of this bill and expresses concern regarding the commission’s possible proposal to reject the draft.
2 Speeches Analyzed