Session Profile: Mart Helme
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-02-21
Political Position
The most critical topics are life-saving medical capacity (the lack of helicopters), lowering the VAT on foodstuffs, and issues concerning the state language and security. On all these issues, the stance is strongly opposed to the government's policy, which is viewed as destructive to Estonia and "banana republic-like." The political framework is a blend of value-based criticism (preservation of the Estonian language, security) and results-based criticism (the need for complex solutions in medicine).
12 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates detailed knowledge in the development of complex national infrastructure, precisely describing the establishment of the air ambulance service (flying emergency vehicles), the construction of helicopter bases, and the necessity of evacuation capabilities. Furthermore, he shows expertise in the fields of tax policy and agriculture, linking the rise in VAT (Value Added Tax) to declining consumption, a reduction in product assortment, and long-term instability in tax revenue collection.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is highly combative, accusatory, and emotional, utilizing sharp phrases such as "at the banana republic level" and "the snitching chamber." The speaker emphasizes the government's indifference and lack of interest in substantive work, accusing them of telling the Estonian people to "chew hay." Logical arguments (the long-term flow of tax revenue) are mixed with strong emotional appeals (hatred of the Estonian people, devastation/ruins).
12 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity centers on participating in the Riigikogu plenary sessions and actively intervening in the debates (medical helicopters, VAT). The speaker primarily uses their floor statements to criticize the government's inaction and lack of interest in discussion. Reference is also made to the previous government term (the EKREIKE administration) and to international events (the Munich Conference).
12 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponents are the current coalition and Kaja Kallas’s government, who stand accused of Russifying Estonia and hating the populace. The criticism is intense, spanning from political disagreements (like tax policy) to highly personal accusations (such as a lack of interest or an unwillingness to engage their brains). The government’s actions are being compared to the devastation caused by Russian artillery, signaling a complete lack of readiness for compromise.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The readiness for cooperation is low. The speaker points to successful past collaboration in the EKREIKE government, which featured innovative plans. While there are theoretical calls to discuss alternative solutions (for instance, different VAT percentages), the coalition is accused of refusing to engage in discussion and simply voting down proposals in a blunt manner.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is national, but regional equality in the availability of life-saving services is emphasized. Specifically mentioned are Saaremaa, Southern Estonia, and Manilaiu Island, in connection with helicopter bases and the necessity for evacuation. The need to support local producers is also highlighted.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
We favor a low Value Added Tax (a proposed 5%) on agricultural products to guarantee the long-term viability of producers and ensure stable tax collection over an extended period. Criticism is directed at the government’s short-sighted tax policy, which aims for an immediate large windfall, as well as the unrealistic calculations provided by the Ministry of Finance. The importance of real business experience (specifically farming) when making political decisions is underscored.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In the social sphere, emphasis is placed on food security and the diversity of available goods, both of which are currently threatened by high prices. There is a strong focus on language and immigration policy; demands are being made to establish Estonian as the true state language and to revoke voting rights for Russian citizens. Concern is expressed regarding the growing proportion of the Russian-speaking population, which could potentially lead to demands for Russian to be recognized as a second official state language.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is the establishment of a comprehensive air ambulance (medevac) helicopter service and evacuation capability in Estonia, which would include new bases and equipment. The second focus is lowering the VAT on agricultural products (a 5% proposal) to mitigate the decline in consumption and support food security. The speaker is actively opposed to the government’s tax hikes.
12 Speeches Analyzed