Session Profile: Mart Helme

The political emphasis is heavily centered on defending the nation-state and the Estonian language as a language of scientific research, while simultaneously criticizing the excessive internationalization and mercantilist mindset prevalent in higher education. A second major theme is the struggle against the politicization of the justice system and the arbitrary actions of the prosecutor’s office, which are viewed as unpunished political persecution. Economically, the platform opposes the government's tax policy, which, in its estimation, is taxing Estonian entrepreneurship to death. These positions are strongly value-driven and highly critical of the government's activities.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in higher education policy and national sciences, analyzing the role of the national university and the impact of internationalization on university rankings. Furthermore, he/she possesses knowledge regarding issues within the legal system, citing prosecutorial errors and historical examples of the administration of justice (Hammurabi, Solomon). The speaker identifies himself/herself as a historian.

The style is predominantly combative, emotional, and sharp, employing strong language (such as "taxed to death" or "spit in the face") and moralistic judgments, often labeling opponents as "bad people." It draws on both historical knowledge (Hammurabi, Solomon) and pop culture ("The Americans") to highlight themes of the rule of law and morality. The objective is to apply pressure and bring these issues into focus, utilizing legislative drafts as a tool for leverage.

All speeches were delivered during a single day of the plenary session, actively focusing on both submitting questions and the substantive discussion of draft legislation. This pattern of activity indicates active participation in the parliamentary debate, covering themes related to education, justice, and economics. Other patterns of activity, such as meetings or travel, are not mentioned in the text.

The strong opposition is aimed at the governing coalition (over taxation) and the leadership of the Prosecutor's Office (for the politicization of the justice system and abuse of power). The criticism is intense, accusing the Prosecutor's Office of impunity and deliberate unlawful conduct driven by political motives. The willingness to compromise is low, as opponents are being accused of wrongdoing and violating the principles of the rule of law.

Regarding higher education policy, [he/she/it] expresses a desire to find a "golden mean" with university representatives, which signals openness to substantive discussion. On economic issues, [he/she/it] seeks potential consensus among all parties represented in the Riigikogu concerning the taxation of foreign banking and the promotion of domestic capital. Overall, the style is rather confrontational, but [he/she/it] seeks support for specific national and economic objectives.

The focus is clearly national, centering on national academic disciplines, the University of Tartu as the national university, the taxation of Estonian businesses, and the streamlining of the legal system. The departure of men to work in Finland is mentioned, but this serves as an example of a national economic problem rather than being a regional focus.

He is vehemently opposed to the current government’s tax policy, which he believes is taxing Estonian enterprises and citizens to death. He advocates filling the state treasury through the taxation of foreign capital, especially the banking sector. He supports incentivizing domestic capital, seeing this as the solution to the state's financial shortfall, in contrast to taxing small businesses.

The focus is on developing and protecting the Estonian language as a language of science and culture, underscoring its crucial role in the sustainability of the nation-state. Concerns are also raised regarding the declining number of male students, which is attributed to poor economic conditions and pragmatic career choices. Furthermore, the text addresses the social repercussions stemming from the politicization of the justice system (specifically, unequal treatment).

The Speaker is an active initiator or supporter of legislation aimed at streamlining higher education policy on a national level, specifically by introducing concrete percentage requirements for the funding of national studies. Furthermore, attention is focused on tax reform legislation (amendments to income tax and VAT) and a bill that seeks to highlight the arbitrary actions and politicization of the Prosecutor's Office.