Agenda Profile: Mart Helme
First reading of the Draft Resolution (365 OE) of the Riigikogu concerning the resolution titled "Making a Proposal to the Government of the Republic to Eliminate the Russian-Language Versions of the Websites of Ministries and Other Government Agencies."
2024-04-10
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political focus is centered on defending the national identity and the supremacy of the Estonian language, urgently demanding the elimination of Russian-language websites maintained by government institutions. This stance is strongly value-based, stressing the necessity of ending the acceptance of the aggressor state's language and eliminating the coalition's double standards. The speaker connects this issue more broadly to resolutions concerning Estonian-language education and the question of Russian assets.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The analysis has focused on the legal and political framework pertaining to the Language Act and the concept of the nation-state. The speaker emphasizes that this is a simple political decision, not a complex issue involving information sharing or statistics. No data or statistics are being used; instead, reliance is placed on broader national principles.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaking style is extremely combative, passionate, and accusatory, utilizing strong moral and national appeals (e.g., "the language of the aggressor state," "the nation-state"). The speaker employs rhetorical questions and sharp accusations of hypocrisy and double standards, preferring emotional persuasion over detailed data analysis. Opponents' viewpoints are labeled as "abracadabra talk" and "dodging," emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and the very question of the state's survival.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity indicates active participation in Riigikogu sessions and debates, referencing prior discussions ("from session to session") and speaking from the rostrum. The speaker is associated with initiating a specific bill and defending it during the first reading. Other activities, meetings, or public appearances outside the Parliament chamber are not evident.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the coalition, the government, and the Riigikogu Board, who are accused of hypocrisy, double standards, and unlawful decisions. The criticism is intense, ranging from political disagreements to fundamental questions of institutional trust and the state's adherence to principles. The opponents' actions are described as threatening the state ("such a state cannot last").
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
A desire for cooperation is not expressed; the issue is framed as a fundamental political decision that requires no obfuscation or maneuvering. Emphasis is placed on the need for a consensual, unified, national, and state declaration of will, which is currently absent from the ruling coalition. The speaker refers to the opposing side as those who have "jumped from one party to another" and changed their views.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on the national and international level, covering the principles of the Estonian nation-state, the Language Act, and relations with the aggressor state. The topic of Russian assets and the designation as hostile towards Ukraine are also mentioned. Specific local or regional issues are absent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is language policy and national identity, demanding the absolute primacy of the Estonian language in government institutions, based on the principle of the nation-state. An expectation is voiced that fellow citizens respect this and communicate with government agencies in Estonian, utilizing translation services when necessary. This is also connected to the issue of transitioning education to be exclusively in Estonian.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is Riigikogu Draft Resolution 365 OE, which concerns the abolition of the Russian-language websites maintained by the ministries. The speaker is a strong supporter and the initiator of this draft resolution, emphasizing its political and national importance. Furthermore, the Board of the Riigikogu is criticized for adopting unlawful decisions in connection with the submitted draft legislation.
2 Speeches Analyzed