Session Profile: Mart Helme
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd sitting, plenary session
2024-03-05
Political Position
The political position is one of strong opposition to the government's actions, particularly in the field of education, which is viewed as the result of over-centralization and continuous, yet unsystematic reforms. The most crucial issues are the resistance to closing rural schools and the catastrophic state of the education system, which stems from ideological experiments. Political activity is driven by sharp criticism aimed at these ideological experiments, which, in his estimation, have turned the Republic of Estonia into a victim.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of education, citing historical data (e.g., the 1898 literacy rate) and concrete examples (the closure of Metsküla school, the teacher shortage). He also references his knowledge of physics (the law of conservation of energy) when criticizing the ideological nature of the climate crisis. He bases his claims on personal experience and observations made while traveling around Estonia.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaking style is sharp, critical, and incisive, employing powerful metaphors (e.g., "the Titanic image," "the house of the simpletons/fools"). The speaker positions themselves as a "simple person" who speaks about real life, contrasting with the "wise" political elites. Both emotional appeals (the fate of rural schools) and historical and scientific references (literacy in 1898, the law of conservation of energy) are used to emphasize the inadequacy of the government’s actions.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active during the plenary session, delivering lengthy critiques on issues related to education and energy, and interjecting on procedural questions. There is mention of a long-standing pattern of driving around Estonia over the last couple of decades specifically to observe the country's decline.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is directed against the government and the political elite, who are accused of over-centralizing the system and conducting ideological experiments. The criticism is intense, describing the situation as an "educational catastrophe" and a "Titanic," and the case of the Metsküla school is cited as an example of centralized dictate. Additionally, the communication style of the Riigikogu Board when dealing with those posing questions is also criticized.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is predominantly confrontational and critical, emphasizing the need to face reality without ideological bias. The only consensus mentioned was reached on a procedural matter (securing an extension). There are no indications of a desire to engage in substantive cooperation or make compromises with political opponents.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strongly regional, emphasizing the catastrophic impact of closing rural schools on small settlements and the subsequent decline of Estonian education outside major centers. This opposition to centralization is directly linked to the local community's ability to cope and the historical organization of the education system, highlighted by the specific example of the Metsküla school.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives focus on the inefficient use of resources, criticizing the expenditure of funds on building renovations at the expense of teachers and children. The negative impact of high energy prices on the education system is highlighted, along with the necessity of streamlining the economic base, which currently prevents effective problem-solving.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In the social sphere, there is strong opposition to inclusive education, which is considered a failure, and to the transition to Estonian-language instruction, which is deepening the educational catastrophe. The "establishment of marriage equality" is also criticized as part of an ideological experiment that is sacrificing the Republic of Estonia. The climate crisis narrative is regarded as a phenomenon existing only in the minds of ideologically brainwashed people.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently directed at reforming education policy, specifically demanding the preservation of rural schools and the cessation of centralization. Furthermore, the speaker is addressing the transposition of energy directives, raising doubts about their practical outcome in terms of energy independence. Procedurally, attention is concentrated on regulating the communication style of the Riigikogu Board.
5 Speeches Analyzed