Session Profile: Mart Helme
15th Riigikogu, 3rd sitting, plenary session
2024-02-15
Political Position
The core political position is strong opposition to the over-regulation and administrative burden stemming from European Union directives. The speaker is extremely skeptical about any reduction of this burden within the EU and proposes a radical step—leaving the European Union—as the only viable solution. This position is strongly value-driven and critical of the current system's functionality.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the legislative process, emphasizing that the majority of bills processed by the Riigikogu are linked to European Union directives. The impact of administrative burden and costs on industry is highlighted separately, with specific reference to the Food Industry Association.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is skeptical, confrontational, and provocative, employing strong language (e.g., directives are coming down the pike "like lumber out of Vändra"). The speaker makes emotional appeals, referencing the shock felt by colleagues ("our hair is standing on end"), and proposes radical solutions, all while maintaining a formal address toward the presiding officer and the rapporteur.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is participating in the plenary session, posing a substantive and critical question to the rapporteur regarding the administrative burden. Their long-standing experience in the Riigikogu ("the third term in this chamber") is mentioned, which lends weight to the speaker's claims.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition targets the institutions of the European Union, which generate a continuous barrage of directives and administrative burdens. Criticism is also aimed at domestic "orthodoxes"—that is, politicians who accept EU demands unquestioningly. The criticism is intense and policy-driven, placing the entirety of EU membership in doubt.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no evidence of cooperation or willingness to compromise; the rhetoric is rather confrontational and critical of the system as a whole.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on international (EU) and national (Riigikogu) legislative processes. Specifically, the burden placed upon the Estonian Food Association is highlighted, indicating concern for domestic production sectors.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives stress the necessity of cutting back on regulations and costs stemming from European Union directives. The speaker champions the interests of the business sector, citing the burden and expenditures that these regulations impose, particularly on the food industry association.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Legislative focus is currently directed towards criticizing the process, largely because a significant portion of Parliament's (Riigikogu's) draft legislation involves the transposition of EU directives. The speaker is a strong opponent of this mandatory legislative stream and is seeking a solution to reduce the administrative burden.
1 Speeches Analyzed