Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
First reading of the draft resolution of the Riigikogu "Proposal to the Republic of Estonia's Government to abandon the implementation of the Rail Baltic project in Estonia and to withdraw from all international agreements related to the project" (650 OE)
2025-09-24
Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, plenary sitting.
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the Rail Baltic project, labeling it as Estonian "gigantomania" and a waste of resources. The speaker urgently calls for prioritizing domestic infrastructure (such as four-lane roads and a permanent connection to Saaremaa) and supports a rational energy policy based on oil shale rather than wind power. This position heavily emphasizes sovereignty and common sense, going so far as to recommend leaving the European Union.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in infrastructure planning (Via Baltica, Saaremaa permanent link) and the energy sector (oil shale, wind energy). He emphasizes the technical and economic shortcomings of the Rail Baltic project, such as the absence of freight transport and the complexity of construction on marshy ground. A separate point highlighted is the omission of the topic of environmental impacts and the use of natural resources (sand, gravel, cement) from the discussion of the draft bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetoric is extremely combative, emotional, and critical, employing intensely negative expressions such as "madness," "folly," and "usurped prime minister." Appeals are made to national common sense, and opponents are accused of engaging in "Orwellian talk" and voting with "stone faces." Irony and hyperbole are used to highlight the project's absurdity (e.g., ending up in Kükametsa instead of the Berlin Opera).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity is linked to Riigikogu sittings, specifically through active participation in the first reading of the Rail Baltic draft bill (650 OE). The speaker also notes the regular presence of the prime minister and ministers in the Riigikogu every Wednesday, thus indicating consistent involvement in parliamentary debates.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party, which is accused of destroying the economy, and the government coalition, which is referred to as a group of "stone-faced" MPs. Strong criticism is also directed at the European Union, which is considered undemocratic, "green-mad," and overbearing. The attacks are intense, accusing the government of implementing foolish EU directives instead of prioritizing the welfare of the state.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speech reveals no willingness to cooperate or openness to compromise, as the government coalition is being treated in an extremely confrontational manner. The speaker anticipates that the coalition will senselessly vote down the bill, thereby assuming responsibility.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national infrastructure and sovereignty, highlighting deficiencies in domestic transport links. Specific attention is drawn to the absence of four-lane highways leading to Tartu and the Via Baltica, as well as the unreliability of the permanent connection to Saaremaa and the ferry service to Hiiumaa. International focus is also crucial (relations with the EU and Russia).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are critical of the current government, which is accused of destroying the economy and making exorbitant expenditures on Rail Baltic, a project that lacks freight transport potential. It supports the sensible use of resources (sand, gravel, oil shale) and the development of domestic energy instead of wind energy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among social issues, opposition to the hate speech law imposed by the European Union is emphasized. Furthermore, the necessity of defending democratic freedoms and the separation of powers is stressed, contrasting with the government's actions that prioritize EU directives.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on supporting the draft resolution (650 OE) concerning the abandonment of the Rail Baltic project and the subsequent withdrawal from related international agreements. The speaker criticizes the fact that the environmental impacts and the rational use of natural resources (sand, gravel, cement) have not been sufficiently discussed within the context of this draft resolution.
1 Speeches Analyzed