Session Profile: Mart Helme
Fifteenth Riigikogu, sixth sitting, plenary sitting.
2025-09-24
Political Position
The political position is strongly anti-Rail Baltic, viewing it as unreasonable gigantomania that is destructive to the economy. The speaker strongly supports Estonian independence and sovereignty, calling for an exit from the European Union, which is deemed undemocratic and afflicted by "green" and "war" hysteria. The emphasis is placed on the rational development of the country, especially regarding energy (oil shale) and domestic infrastructure. The political framework is primarily value-based (sovereignty) and results-based (failures in infrastructure).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of infrastructure shortcomings (e.g., the permanent link to Saaremaa, ferry problems) and the technical aspects of Rail Baltic construction (digging routes into swamps). He also emphasizes the need for rational utilization of natural resources (sand, gravel, cement) and consideration of environmental impacts. In the energy sector, he supports developing oil shale energy instead of wind energy.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaking style is extremely combative, passionate, and forceful, employing strong emotional judgments and exaggerations (e.g., "that is complete absurdity!", "it's sheer madness!"). The appeals are primarily based on rationality and sovereignty, accusing opponents of Orwellian language ("peace is war, scarcity is welfare"). Direct and aggressive labeling is used, referring to the prime minister as the "usurping prime minister" and coalition members as "stone-faced" figures.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Mention is made of the regular presence of government members, including the Prime Minister, in the Riigikogu on Wednesdays. Other personal activity patterns (meetings, travel) have not been presented.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main adversary is the coalition led by the Reform Party, which stands accused of wrecking the economy and mismanaging the state. The criticism is intense, ranging from policy decisions (RB, energy sector) to personal accusations (including the 'usurper' prime minister and 'stone-faced' MPs). The possibility of compromise is not foreseen, as the speaker anticipates a desperate counter-vote from the coalition.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is a lack of willingness to cooperate because the speaker anticipates a unified vote by coalition members against the draft bill—an action that contradicts the rational functioning of the state. There is no mention of joint initiatives or openness to compromise.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on domestic infrastructure, underscoring the necessity of four-lane roads leading to Tartu and Via Baltica, a fixed link to Saaremaa, and reliable ferry services to Hiiumaa. Rail Baltica is criticized for leading "nowhere," while neglecting crucial domestic projects.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are critical of the current government, which is accused of destroying the economy and increasing the national debt burden. There is opposition to insanely expensive and unreasonable projects (RB) that generate debt, while simultaneously supporting sensible investment in domestic infrastructure and the oil shale energy sector.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker strongly opposes the hate speech law imposed by the European Union, seeing it as a threat to democratic freedoms. Other social issues are not addressed.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on opposing the specific Rail Baltic bill, the rejection of which the speaker supports. The speaker criticizes how the bill was prepared, citing an insufficient analysis of both environmental impacts and the prudent use of natural resources (sand, gravel, cement).
1 Speeches Analyzed