Session Profile: Mart Helme
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
2025-06-12
Political Position
The political position is fiercely anti-government, focusing on the lack of ministerial accountability in the handling of the Pihlakodu scandal and the prison issue. They demand political oversight of the prosecutor's office, stressing that the government must govern, not civil servants. There is particularly strong opposition to the prison lease agreement, which is viewed as both a security risk and a burden on the taxpayer. Furthermore, the position is strongly performance- and value-based.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge of the prison topic, specifically highlighting the possibility for Swedish inmates to seek asylum and the subsequent costs incurred by the Estonian taxpayer. Particular emphasis is placed on priority access to medical services (such as dental care) and transportation expenses. Statistics on the recidivism rate of released prisoners (roughly 50%) are cited, and Swedish sources are referenced concerning the timeline of the negotiations.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely aggressive, emotional, and full of personal accusations, labeling the minister a "sociopathic narcissist." Strong metaphors are employed ("banana republic," "the mafia of those in power") alongside historical parallels (the events of 1940) to underscore security threats. It appeals to public dissatisfaction and relentlessly demands that the lying stop, maintaining an urgent and demanding tone.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active during the parliament's plenary session, participating in the no-confidence debate where long and detailed accusations are being presented regarding the minister's inaction. Reference is also made to issues raised by a member of another faction (Anti Poolamets). The speaker criticizes the minister’s actions, such as calling together roundtables or consultations, calling them "PR stunts" or "steps for show."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is intense and aimed directly at the minister (Liisa-Ly Pakosta) and the coalition partners (Reformierakond, Eesti 200), who are accused of "closing ranks" and engaging in "mafia" activities. The criticism is both personal (lying, stupidity, "half a brain") and political (incompetence, avoiding responsibility). Compromise is ruled out; the immediate resignation of the minister and the entire government, along with their departure from politics, is being demanded.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
A collaborative style is only visible within the opposition itself, joining the view of the previous speaker Tõnis Lukas regarding the loss of confidence in the government. There is a complete lack of any indication of readiness for compromise or cooperation with the ruling coalition, which stands accused of manipulating the public.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily national (government activities, the prison system) and international (the leasing of Swedish prisoners and the associated asylum threat). Regionally, the city of Tartu is mentioned, citing a potential security threat upon the release of 600 criminals.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives focus on protecting taxpayer money and maintaining fiscal discipline. The prison lease agreement has drawn sharp criticism because it imposes significant costs on the Estonian taxpayer, who is required to cover the medical services, dental care, and police escorts for the prisoners. The government is being accused of pulling the wool over people's eyes in an attempt to make the Swedish taxpayer cover these expenses.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The dominant social issues are the crisis within the care home system (Pihlakodu) and social security. There is strong opposition to importing Swedish prisoners, as this increases the risk of crime (with a 50% recidivism rate) and generates an asylum seeker problem. Warnings have been issued regarding a social and security catastrophe, citing the potential release of 600 cutthroats and rapists.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is more on demanding political control and accountability from the executive branch, rather than initiating new laws. Ministerial intervention in the work of the prosecutor's office is being demanded during the investigation of the Pihlakodu and Lehtme cases, stressing that this is the necessary political oversight that must exist. The speaker is strongly opposed to the current prison lease agreement.
3 Speeches Analyzed