Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
Interpellation concerning Estonia's critical demographic situation (No. 597)
2024-03-11
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is on the critical demographic situation, demanding that the government set clear fertility targets (such as the number of children per family) and offer concrete solutions. This stance is strongly oppositional, criticizing the government's actions both on a values basis and a results basis, particularly due to the lack of defined goals and the negative attitude displayed. Improvement of the situation is envisioned through generating positive energy and fostering a supportive societal attitude towards family and national growth.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding historical examples, citing Francis Bacon as a statesman and highlighting historical tax types (the beard tax, the chimney tax, the window tax). Furthermore, knowledge of the connections between demography and social psychology is emphasized, pointing out how the government’s fear-mongering rhetoric (war, climate catastrophe) influences young people’s desire to have children.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaking style is highly confrontational, emotional, and accusatory, utilizing strong value judgments (e.g., "shamelessness," "demeaning attitude"). Rhetorical irony and historical examples (such as Francis Bacon or the chimney tax) are employed to critique the government's actions, underscoring the lack of substantive answers. It is emphasized that the opposing party has abandoned behavior associated with "good upbringing" or "proper decorum," which is then used to justify the speaker's own sharp tone.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity is confined to participation in the process of answering an interpellation in the Riigikogu hall, where repetitive questions are posed and reactions are offered to the head of government's answers. The rhythm is intense, focusing on repeated demands for substantive objectives.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary target is Kaja Kallas and the government, who face fierce criticism both personally (for their impudence, contemptuous attitude, and lack of basic manners/upbringing) and politically (for failing to set demographic goals and for killing the economy with excessive taxation). The government is also accused of "inciting war" and fearmongering among the populace. The intensity of the criticism is extremely high, and there is no expressed willingness to seek compromise.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation is demonstrated with opposition colleagues, thanking Anastasia for her substantive speech on demography and referencing Varro Vooglaid’s questions. No readiness for compromise with the government is expressed; instead, they demand that the head of government descend from the "heights of the spheres" and enter the Riigikogu chamber.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is set at the national level (Estonian demography, the country's economic policy) and the international level (including comparisons of living standards and fertility rates with Finland, Sweden, and Germany). Local or regional issues are not addressed.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to tax increases, arguing that "no economy has ever started growing because of taxes" and that taxes kill the economy and demographics. What is demanded is the creation of new opportunities and growing the economy, rather than facing crises without reserves and simply collecting taxpayer money.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social theme is population growth and family support, emphasizing the necessity of fostering a positive societal attitude toward family and national growth. The government is criticized for its scaremongering tactics (war, the green transition, climate catastrophe), which are "breaking" young people and diminishing their desire to have children.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed at criticizing the absence of demographic goals and programs at the government and state level. There is a demand for the creation of specific mechanisms to improve the birth rate, including financial support and addressing the individual problems faced by large families.
6 Speeches Analyzed