Session Profile: Mart Helme
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session.
2024-01-15
Political Position
The most glaring issues are the inadequacy of Estonia's defense capabilities, the alleged destruction of Estonian-language education, and the security threat posed by mass immigration. On all these matters, the stance is strongly opposed to the government’s policies, focusing on a value-based framework (the preservation of the nation-state and the Estonian language) and highlighting the incompetence and malice behind the government's actions. The government is accused of systematically driving the Estonian state toward catastrophe.
41 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
Demonstrates profound knowledge of internal security and policing, referencing fluctuations in police staffing levels, salary policies, and the recruitment tactics employed by special services. Possesses a detailed understanding of defense policy, mentioning specific weapon systems (HIMARS, K9), air defense capabilities, and the Ottawa Convention. The discussion also covers the organization of education, inclusive education, and the restructuring of the school network, utilizing historical and cultural references.
41 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is extremely combative, aggressive, and laden with personal attacks, characterizing the Prime Minister's replies as arrogant and inadequate, and employing outright personal insults (e.g., "only the grave can fix a hunchback"). There is heavy reliance on emotional appeals, stressing national ruin and the threat of war, and claiming that the government is living in a "fantasy world." Formal decorum is low, marked by frequent interjections and criticism directed at the presiding officer. Strong metaphors are utilized (e.g., "Kaja Siimovna," "handing it over to Putin on a silver platter").
41 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active during the sitting, repeatedly posing questions and making statements regarding several interpellations (education, national defense, Rail Baltic, internal security). The pattern of activity involves the intensive criticism and challenging of the government's actions and responses, utilizing procedural opportunities to request additional time and raise points of order.
41 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main targets of criticism are Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and the Reform Party, who are accused of destroying the state and engaging in criminal activity. The criticism is both political (deficiencies in defense capability, the squandering of Rail Baltic funds) and personal/procedural (arrogance, evading accountability, dishonesty). The confrontation is intense and uncompromising, suggesting that the government is working for the "deep state" and "globalists" and is implementing Putin's objectives (the Karaganov Doctrine).
41 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The willingness to cooperate with the government is entirely absent. The actions of the coalition and the prime minister are considered to be in stark contradiction with national interests. Cooperation is mentioned only in the context of supporting one's colleagues (e.g., requesting additional time). It is emphasized that the Riigikogu has become an "absolutely irrelevant body," which precludes substantive debate.
41 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national and international security issues, but regional policy emphasizes the need to address real bottlenecks. Preference is given to developing Via Baltica over Rail Baltica, and support is voiced for creating a permanent connection to Saaremaa (as a tunnel) and restoring the Haapsalu and Pärnu railways, considering these projects essential for the Estonian people for generations to come.
41 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints are strongly critical of the government's megaprojects (Rail Baltic), citing their exorbitant cost increases and overall futility. Critics claim these projects are necessary only for the enrichment of individuals associated with the Reform Party. They advocate for cheaper and strategically more important transport solutions, such as Via Baltica and maritime transport. Furthermore, the treatment of Ukrainian refugees as cheap labor is criticized, often using the derogatory term "planter" (referencing exploitation).
41 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker is strongly opposed to mass immigration (defining "mass" as over 100,000 people), directly linking it to a national security threat (GRU/FSB agents and networks). Regarding education, they oppose inclusive schooling and the restructuring of the school network, arguing that these measures destroy Estonian-language schools. They demand that the use of the aggressor state's language cease on official Estonian government websites. Furthermore, they criticize "liberal and immoral brainwashing" and the fearmongering directed at youth (concerning climate and war).
41 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker's priorities include the comprehensive development of defense capabilities, specifically withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention to allow for the use of minefields. The focus is also on revoking the voting rights and gun ownership rights of citizens of the aggressor state. The primary role involves opposing and criticizing current government policies (education reform, Rail Baltic, and the slow pace of defense procurements).
41 Speeches Analyzed