Session Profile: Mart Helme

The political platform is defined by strong opposition to the government’s economic and social policies, focusing specifically on the rising cost of living and the depopulation of rural areas. The policy approach is framed around outcomes, asserting that government statistics are completely detached from the reality of people’s lives—an assertion illustrated by drawing an analogy to a Soviet party committee. There is particularly strong resistance to tax hikes (VAT, car tax) and gender equality policies. The political action is driven by the conviction that the government is catastrophically incompetent in running the country.

The speaker demonstrates a detailed awareness of tax policy (VAT, motor vehicle tax) and the economic problems facing rural areas. He highlights the counterproductive effect of the car tax, which has led to a sharp increase in the sale of powerful diesel SUVs as people rush to avoid the registration fee. He also describes the living conditions of the poor and the key economic sectors in rural regions (dairies, sawmills, agricultural production).

The rhetorical style is highly aggressive, emotional, and accusatory, employing direct personal attacks against the Prime Minister, questioning his competence and moral character. Strong analogies are utilized (the Soviet party committee, the Augean stables) alongside hyperbole ("unbelievable cynicism"). Appeals are aimed more at emotions and morality (e.g., describing the life of a poor person) rather than detailed data analysis, and the catastrophic consequences of the government's actions are heavily emphasized.

The speaker is active in the plenary sessions of the Riigikogu, repeatedly posing questions and responding to interpellations on March 4, 2024. A meeting with a neighbor in the countryside on Saturday is mentioned, which indicates local engagement outside the Riigikogu chamber. The pattern of activity demonstrates a focus on government accountability and calling the competence of ministers into question.

The main opponent is the Reform Party and Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, who stands accused of incompetence, cynicism, and leveling accusations. The criticism is intense, ranging from political failures (such as tax policy) to moral accusations (including alleged rejoicing over the war). The speaker urgently demands Kaja Kallas’s resignation. Criticism is also directed at the Isamaa party, which is viewed, alongside the Reform Party, as the destroyer of Estonia.

Cooperation is being pursued with opposition parties, particularly the Centre Party, which is recognized for its substantive work in submitting parliamentary inquiries. The lack of dialogue with the ruling coalition is being criticized, with ministers being accused of failing to answer questions and demonstrating incompetence. No openness to compromise with the government is expressed; instead, the emphasis is placed squarely on exposing the government's failures.

A strong regional focus is placed on the situation in rural areas, emphasizing the decline of rural life due to the closure of schools, dairies, and sawmills. Government policy is directly blamed for forcing people to leave the countryside. The text mentions farmers ceasing operations and putting their tractors up for sale.

The economic platform is centered on lowering the cost of living and opposing tax increases. Specific criticism is directed at the refusal to reduce VAT on foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals. The taxation of vehicles is considered ineffective and has achieved the opposite of its intended effect. Furthermore, the government’s alleged job creation efforts are criticized for leading to lower wages and the replacement of Estonian labor with cheaper foreign workers.

In social policy, there is strong opposition to gender equality, which is treated as the legalization of perversion and an attack on traditional values. Concerns are being voiced about population replacement due to the hiring of Ukrainians. Emphasis is placed on the bleak lives of poor people, and the government's assumptions regarding the poor's lifestyle (luxury SUVs, restaurants) are criticized.

The legislative focus is currently on opposing government bills, particularly the proposed car tax. The speaker criticizes the bill's design, arguing that it has achieved the opposite effect, triggering a boom in the purchase of powerful diesel cars as people rush to avoid the registration tax. Furthermore, the government is criticized for its failure to address substantive issues raised by the opposition.