Session Profile: Mart Helme
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-04-01
Political Position
The most prominent themes are mass immigration, which is treated as an existential threat, and the government’s economic incompetence (inflation, low wages). The political position is strongly value-based, standing in opposition to liberal "European values" (cannabis, gay marriage, promiscuity). The stance is intensely oppositional, accusing the government of destroying the nation and embodying the instincts of the communist party.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates authority and knowledge regarding immigration policy (mass immigration, international protection, integration) and social values (the definition of family, polygamy, promiscuity). Legal criticism (attorney skills, violation of laws) and economic indicators (median salary, inflation) are also highlighted. The speaker references their previous experience as a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official during the negotiations for the withdrawal of Russian forces.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is extremely combative, accusatory, and emotional, employing strong personal attacks (e.g., Kallas, Läänemets) and historical parallels (the original sin of the Communist Party, Soviet immigration). The speaker repeatedly demands specific definitions from the respondents (European values, winning the war), accusing the government of propaganda and vagueness. Direct and sometimes crude expressions are used ("don't shove your red rags onto others," "blockheadedness").
17 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active during the Riigikogu plenary session, repeatedly posing questions and making remarks to both the Prime Minister and the relevant minister during interpellations and the information hour. This pattern demonstrates intensive involvement in opposition scrutiny, demanding specific facts and substance in the responses. Furthermore, the speaker uses the opportunity for personal defense, responding to accusations concerning their patriotism.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main adversaries are Kaja Kallas, Lauri Läänemets, and the coalition led by the Reform Party. The criticism is intense and ranges from policy issues (mass immigration) to personal attacks (incompetence, diction, wearing red rags). Compromise is ruled out because, in the speaker's estimation, the government has trampled on the constitution and the laws, which is why "normality" will not be restored in the Riigikogu.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The willingness to cooperate is completely absent; the style is purely confrontational and accusatory. The speaker focuses on attacking the opposing side and the failure to get responses, rather than searching for common solutions.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily national (the existence of the Estonian people, the economy) and international (the war in Ukraine, European values, immigration). Regionally, Saaremaa and Haapsalu are mentioned in the context of the median wage, and Tallinn is brought up in connection with the change of power.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is highly critical of the government's economic policy, specifically highlighting the rise in inflation and the cost of living relative to the median wage (€1200). New taxes, such as the proposed sugar tax, are being opposed. These measures are deemed inadequate given the poor condition of the state budget and the simultaneous payment of benefits to immigrants. The speaker stresses the hardships faced by ordinary citizens who are forced to hold multiple jobs just to make ends meet.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The socio-political stance is strongly conservative, opposing liberal "European values" such as same-sex marriage, the legalization of cannabis, and promiscuity. The central issue is mass immigration, which is viewed as a direct threat to the economic, linguistic, and cultural existence of the Estonian nation. The speaker criticizes the government for interfering in family affairs and for ignoring the demographic crisis.
17 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary focus is on opposing and criticizing government policies and legislative initiatives (such as the sugar tax). Key issues include regulating immigration (the repatriation of those granted international protection) and overseeing police activity (the bas-relief incident). The speaker acts primarily as a critic and opponent, rather than an initiator.
17 Speeches Analyzed