Session Profile: Mart Helme
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
2025-09-04
Political Position
The political position is strongly procedural and rule-of-law based, demanding strict adherence to the Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and the Constitution, and opposing the "arbitrary action" of the Board and the coalition, as well as their creative interpretation of the rules. The speaker is strongly opposed to tax increases, especially the car tax and the so-called security tax, which are considered a euphemism for general tax hikes. The political framework is performance-driven, focusing on the government's incompetence in matters concerning the economic crisis and security.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker exhibits profound expertise in interpreting the Constitution, procedural rules, and the Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules of the Riigikogu, criticizing the Presidium’s decisions with detailed procedural arguments. They also demonstrate knowledge regarding alternatives for national defense funding (such as redirecting funds from wind parks) and the precision of the wording of international missions. In their argumentation, they cite laws and international data (IMF data on the economic recession).
21 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The tone is predominantly combative, accusatory, and insistent, utilizing strong and emotional expressions such as "authoritarian power," "trampling the Riigikogu of the Republic of Estonia underfoot," and "you smirk/jeer." The speaker frequently appeals to the principles of the rule of law and the supremacy of the law, while simultaneously criticizing opponents' arguments as "childish talk" or "kindergarten level." Rhetorical questions and hyperbole (e.g., whether to set oneself on fire) are employed to emphasize the seriousness of the situation and the level of despair.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active in Riigikogu sittings, frequently presenting (almost every month during the observed period) procedural questions, interpellations, and proposals for draft legislation. The pattern of activity focuses on challenging the decisions of the Board and the presiding officers, and on calling ministers to account during information hours and political statements. Participation in meetings of the parliamentary group (faction) and the IPU delegation is also mentioned.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main adversaries are the government coalition, the Riigikogu Board, and the session chairs, who are accused of violating the house rules and rules of procedure and of silencing the opposition using a "voluntarist methodology." The criticism is predominantly procedural, accusing the leaders of arbitrary action and avoiding responsibility, and political, labeling the coalition's actions as the crippling of democracy and authoritarian. The attacks are intense, demanding the annulment of decisions made by the coalition.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation is focused both within and between the opposition parties, supporting colleagues in the Isamaa faction and stressing that "the entire opposition" demands answers from the prime minister. There is a lack of willingness to compromise when dealing with the coalition; the relationship is confrontational and demanding, centered on correcting the coalition's procedural mistakes.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national and international issues. The regional aspect becomes apparent when criticizing the car tax, emphasizing its negative impact on the livelihood of rural residents.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is fiercely opposed to the tax hikes, arguing that the proposed car tax will undermine the competitiveness of Estonian businesses and damage the overall tax environment. The severity of Estonia's economic crisis is stressed, citing data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). A concrete proposal has been put forward to immediately redirect 2.8 billion euros, currently earmarked for wind farms, toward strengthening Estonia's defense capabilities.
21 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are not the primary focus, but there is mention of the deteriorating financial situation of large families due to the car tax. The issue of equal treatment on the Riigikogu premises is also raised concerning police authority (specifically, comparing a traffic violation to intoxicated behavior within the chamber).
21 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary focus centered on challenging violations of procedural rules and internal regulations, and demanding the removal of draft legislation from the agenda. As substantive priorities, an inquiry was submitted regarding the impact of the car tax, along with a proposal to abolish the security tax. Additionally, the draft legislation on fulfilling international obligations (peace missions) was required to be rephrased because it contained inadequate information (specifically, regarding the post-conflict situation).
21 Speeches Analyzed