Agenda Profile: Mart Helme

Interpellation concerning the abuse of power by the PPA (Police and Border Guard Board) in connection with the unlawful suppression of freedom of speech and expression (No. 620)

2024-04-02

15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session

Political Position
This political stance centers on strong opposition to the alleged abuse of power by the police (PPA) in connection with the protest regarding the removal of the deportee's bas-relief. The speaker emphasizes that the police must have been aware of the protest's objective (historical justice) and accuses the government (Läänemets) of political favoritism targeting EKRE. The position is value-based, highlighting the defense of freedom of speech and the just treatment of historical memory.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates awareness of specific political and historical events, such as the Narva tank saga and the debate that took place in the Writers' Union and among the public regarding the removal of the bas-relief honoring the deportation organizer. The expert analysis focuses on clarifying the political context and motives of the events, asserting that the police were aware of the protest's actual objective.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly aggressive and accusatory, employing irony and sarcasm (e.g., Läänemets's "heroic struggle"). The speaker uses strong emotional appeals and personal attacks, accusing the police of stupidity and the government of political persecution. The tone is suspicious and blunt, emphasizing personal distrust toward the opponent ("I don't believe you").

1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity indicates participation in the Riigikogu (Parliamentary) interpellation process regarding the actions of the PPA (Police and Border Guard Board). The speaker refers to previous political events (the Narva tank incident) and public discussions (at the Writers' Union) as background, demonstrating a connection to ongoing political and cultural disputes.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are Minister Lauri Läänemets and the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA). The criticism is intense and multi-faceted: Läänemets is accused of hypocrisy, political targeting, and condoning the abuse of police power. The PPA is accused of abusing its authority and failing to grasp the protest's objective (historical justice).

1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation points to a clear partisan line, mentioning EKRE and Isamaa as political allies who are targets of the government ("the EKRE and Isamaa attack dogs"). There is no information regarding the search for non-governmental or inter-party compromises.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus indirectly concerns Narva (in the context of the Narva tank) and the specific local case of monument removal, which has been elevated to the level of national political debate.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
No data available.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among the social issues, heavy emphasis is placed on protecting the freedom of speech and opinion, which was allegedly unlawfully suppressed by the PPA (Police and Border Guard Board). This topic is closely linked to the question of historical justice and the removal of monuments dedicated to the perpetrators of deportations. The speaker distances himself/herself from the extremist labels ("national fascists") attributed to them by their opponents.

1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is aimed at holding the government accountable and investigating the activities of the PPA (Police and Border Guard Board) through a formal interpellation. The goal is to criticize the actions of the executive branch (abuse of power) and demand explanations.

1 Speeches Analyzed