Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
Interpellation concerning problems related to the restriction on official actions (No. 320)
2024-03-18
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
Political Position
The political position centers on strong opposition to political and moral corruption within law enforcement agencies, particularly the Prosecutor’s Office, which is accused of carrying out political directives. This stance is strongly value-driven, emphasizing the violation of the principle of the rule of law, where not everyone is equal before the law. It also demands the elimination of legal ambiguity in statutory provisions, which enables the arbitrary application of the law.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of the rule of law and anti-corruption efforts, utilizing specific legal terminology such as "restriction on proceedings" and "legal certainty." This expertise is grounded in a critical analysis of the activities of institutions (the Prosecutor's Office, law enforcement bodies) and the presentation of examples of specific cases (e.g., the European Court of Auditors, the hairdresser's bill case). The definition of corruption is broadened from mere material gain to encompass political and moral corruptibility.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker employs a highly combative, alarming, and emotional rhetorical style, utilizing sharp accusations and potent metaphors (such as "deep state empire" or "ground to pieces"). The appeals rely mainly on values and morality, stressing the absence of the rule of law and the resulting inequality before it. A well-known literary analogy (Orwell’s "some laws are more equal") is invoked to underscore the gravity of the situation.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the work of the Riigikogu, posing repeated questions during the response to the interpellation and continuing the discussion at the podium. This pattern of activity indicates a focus on the oversight function and the highlighting of specific political scandals.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary targets of criticism are the Prosecutor's Office, which is accused of political and moral corruption, and the anonymous "deep state empire." The criticism is intense and focuses on the untrustworthiness and unequal application of the law by law enforcement agencies, claiming that the deep state delivers counter-blows and grinds dissenters into dust.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is predominantly confrontational. However, former minister Kalle Laanet is mentioned, having initiated an investigation into the Prosecutor's Office, which suggests temporary support for the necessity of official oversight. Currently, there is no evidence of broad-based cooperation with other political parties.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on the national issues of the rule of law and corruption within the Republic of Estonia, specifically concentrating on the activities of the Prosecutor's Office and law enforcement agencies. A case concerning an appointment to the European Court of Auditors is also mentioned, which lends an international dimension to the topic.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic viewpoints are indirect, expressing concern over the squandering of taxpayer money, citing the expenditure of over a million euros on a trivial lawsuit as an example. This points to a desire for greater accountability and efficiency in state finances.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the integrity of the justice system and the safeguarding of civil liberties through the principle of equality before the law. The problem is framed strongly within a moral context, emphasizing the danger of moral corruption, which leads to unequal treatment.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed toward eliminating the ambiguity in existing legal acts, especially regarding regulations on procedural restrictions and conflicts of interest. The speaker criticizes the vague wording of the statutory provisions, which opens the door to corrupt and arbitrary administration of justice.
4 Speeches Analyzed