Session Profile: Mart Helme
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session
2025-09-22
Political Position
The most prominent topic is the practice surrounding the use of expense claims by Riigikogu members and the protection of the principles of the rule of law. The speaker strongly opposes the first-tier court ruling concerning Kert Kingo, labeling it political persecution and arbitrary interpretation of the law. The political position is strongly value-based, emphasizing that the disregard for laws will lead to the demise of the Republic of Estonia as a state governed by the rule of law. There is also strong opposition to the practice where comments made by officials override the actual text of the law.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge regarding the internal organization of the Riigikogu and the historical practice concerning the use of expense reimbursements, citing examples (car leasing, gifts, gold coins). They are also familiar with legislative procedures, criticizing the replacement of actual laws with commented publications written by officials. They emphasize that changing a law requires the votes of 51 Members of Parliament, not merely an official's commentary.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is highly combative, dramatic, and cautionary, relying on powerful emotional appeals. The speaker employs extreme comparisons (Stalinism, North Korea, Putin's Russia) to underscore the decline of the rule of law. While the beginning references historical practice, the speech rapidly escalates into an alarming warning about the demise of the Estonian state. It concludes with a direct insult aimed at the intellectual capacity of the audience.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker reacted immediately to the morning news concerning Kert Kingo’s court ruling, utilizing the time of the plenary session for this purpose. Reference is also made to the regular Monday submission of procedural questions in the Riigikogu chamber. The available data is limited to a single intervention during the plenary session.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the judicial system (specifically, a certain judge), who is accused of political persecution and the arbitrary interpretation of laws, along with officials who prioritize commentaries over the actual statutes. The criticism is intense, accusing the opponents of arbitrary rule that tramples upon established practices. The opponents are associated with totalitarian regimes, which signals the complete exclusion of any compromise.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient Data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is exclusively on national topics, addressing the work of the Riigikogu, the utilization of expense reimbursements, and the legal future of the Republic of Estonia. Regional or local issues are not discussed; rather, international comparisons are drawn with totalitarian states.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The speaker focuses on the issues surrounding the implementation of legislation, criticizing the replacement of laws with comments from officials, which he considers to be trampling the law underfoot. The main emphasis is on defending the rights and established practices of Riigikogu members concerning the use of expense reimbursements.
2 Speeches Analyzed