Session Profile: Mart Helme
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-03-06
Political Position
The political position is strongly anti-government, focusing on the economic decline caused by taxes and ideological experiments, as well as threats to internal security stemming from liberal immigration and electoral policies. Emphasis is placed on the need to calculate the total societal cost of offshore wind farms, and warnings are issued regarding the long-term consequences of demographic changes. The political framework is value-based (national security) and results-based (the killing of the economy).
11 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of Estonian citizenship policy dating back to the restoration of independence and its historical evolution (referencing Max van der Stoel and the pressure associated with EU accession). Security aspects are also addressed, highlighting KAPO (Internal Security Service) warnings regarding the growth of the Muslim community and citing Swedish internal security statistics (62,000 gang members). Regarding economic matters, a comprehensive analysis of the total cost and total revenue of major projects (offshore wind farms) is required, referencing Indrek Neivelt.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaking style is highly combative, ironic, and critical, employing strong emotional appeals, particularly concerning security and the weight of future challenges. Historical parallels and dramatic comparisons are utilized (for instance, media coverage regarding "heads rolling"), while accusing opponents of hypocrisy, foolishness, and arrogance. The argumentation relies more on value judgments and cautionary examples (Sweden, Africa) than on detailed data.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The records indicate active participation in the Riigikogu plenary session, where several questions and comments were raised on various topics (economy, social policy, electoral law) within a short timeframe. There is no available data concerning other activities or public appearances.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opponents are the Reform Party and the Social Democrats, who are accused of tanking the economy, arrogance, and engaging in political-technological "ping-pong" instead of tackling crucial issues. The criticism is intense, spanning from mere political disagreements to outright accusations of incompetence, lack of empathy, and actively avoiding substantive work. Kaja Kallas, in particular, is facing heavy criticism, as she allegedly blamed everyone but the government for the current economic hardships.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is cautious and suspicious, with accusations leveled against the coalition for arrogant behavior and failure to consult (for instance, regarding the issue of voting rights). Although solutions are being proposed, the coalition is immediately accused of avoiding substantive work and refusing to solve problems comprehensively, citing that the coalition is rejecting the opportunity for meaningful work that was offered.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is divided between the national level (Estonian economy, laws) and the international level (the green transition, security threats from the Middle East). Regionally, emphasis is placed on the negative consequences of electoral politics in Tallinn and the Ida-Viru municipalities. Examples from foreign countries (Sweden, Africa, Iran) are used as cautionary scenarios concerning issues of Estonian internal security.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views expressed are strongly opposed to taxes and regulations, arguing that government actions are killing the economy and amount to conducting ideological experiments. They demand a strict financial analysis (total cost vs. total revenue) for green projects, specifically mentioning offshore wind farms, and cite Indrek Neivelt in support. Furthermore, concern is raised regarding the disposal costs that will be left for future generations and the overall competitiveness of the Estonian economy.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Socio-politically, there is opposition to liberal values (such as gay marriage), and emphasis is placed on internal security threats resulting from uncontrolled immigration. They demand the banning of burqas and niqabs as a measure against the humiliation of women and forcing them into a state of semi-servitude. Security risks are highlighted by referencing the growth of the Muslim community, incidents of violence in Estonia, and the destabilization of Swedish society due to gangs and honor killings.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently directed at amending the local elections law to restrict the voting rights of third-country nationals, as well as supporting the draft bill to ban burqas and niqabs. The Speaker is critical of the partial solutions proposed by the coalition (e.g., revoking suffrage only from Russian/Belarusian citizens) and demands a comprehensive approach covering all dangerous countries.
11 Speeches Analyzed