Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
First Reading of the Draft Act Amending the Local Government Council Election Act (290 SE)
2024-03-06
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The most crucial topic is the question of voting rights for third-country nationals in local elections. The speaker is vehemently opposed to the current system, which allows permanent residence permit holders to vote, and views this as a post-occupation problem. He/She criticizes the Reform Party's narrow approach (targeting only citizens of Russia and Belarus) and demands a comprehensive solution based on a security and value-based framework.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the history of citizenship and voting rights following the restoration of Estonian independence, referencing OSCE Commissioner Max van der Stoel and pressure from the EU. Security aspects are also utilized, providing examples of Sweden's internal security problems (gangs, honor killings) and linking them to Iran's status as a nuclear state and the threats posed by Sharia law. Specific, although unverified, statistical data is used (e.g., 62,000 gang members in Sweden, 80+ million inhabitants in Iran).
7 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is predominantly combative, ironic, and critical, employing strong emotional appeals, especially concerning themes of security and cultural destabilization. The speaker utilizes historical narratives (re-independence, Max van der Stoel) and digressions (the Kõlvart/Helme case) to attack opponents and underscore media bias. He accuses opponents of engaging in political technology games and avoiding substantive work.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is not enough data.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary adversaries are the Reform Party and the Social Democrats, who are accused of engaging in political-technological "ping-pong" and avoiding substantive work. The criticism operates on two levels: policy (an inadequate solution) and procedure (the typical arrogance of the Reform Party, and a lack of consultation). The attacks are intense, and a compromise based on the narrow solution proposed by the Reform Party is not accepted.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker notes that the coalition (Reform Party) refuses to consult with them and operates in an arrogant manner. He/She offers the coalition an opportunity to do substantive work and solve the real problem (the complete removal of voting rights), but accuses them of rejecting this opportunity.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation, but its consequences are illustrated using local examples from Tallinn and the Ida-Viru municipalities. Additionally, international examples (Sweden, Iran, Russia) are used to emphasize security and social problems, highlighting the internal security aspect.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker adopts a staunchly anti-immigration and security-centric stance, stressing that liberal immigration policies lead to the destabilization of society. He warns of the threats posed by Muslim minorities (citing the example of Sweden) and Islamic fundamentalism (Iran, Sharia, Hamas), clearly subordinating civil liberties to security concerns. He emphasizes the necessity of protecting the native population's right to self-determination.
7 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is on the draft bill amending the Local Government Council Election Act (290 SE). The speaker opposes the Reform Party's narrow proposal and suggests a solution that would revoke voting rights from all third-country nationals, aiming to solve the accumulating problem comprehensively.
7 Speeches Analyzed