Session Profile: Mart Helme
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-04-10
Political Position
The political position is strongly nationalistic and value-based, emphasizing Estonia's status as a nation-state and the sole dominance of the Estonian language in official institutions. The speaker resolutely opposes the use of the aggressor state's language (Russian) on state websites, demanding a clear political decision. Criticism is aimed at the government's lack of resolve concerning both the transition to Estonian-language education and the issue of Russian assets, pointing to double standards.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker speaks with authority on the topic of language policy and the concept of the nation-state, focusing on the implementation of the Language Act and political will. Furthermore, he/she possesses knowledge regarding the procedural decisions of the Riigikogu, criticizing the board's actions in blocking draft legislation. The argumentation is based on the lack of national principle and adherence to the law, rather than relying heavily on statistics.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is very combative, emotional, and accusatory, using sharp expressions like "hypocrites" and "insane state." The appeals are primarily value-based (national pride, adherence to principles), ignoring statistical data and dismissing it as "abracadabra talk." The tone is extremely critical and resolute, demanding that things be done simply and on principle.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in the Riigikogu plenary sessions, asking questions and participating in debates, citing their knowledge of the work of the Culture Committee. This pattern of activity indicates a focus on internal political confrontation within the Riigikogu and the criticism of procedures.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main confrontation is directed at the governing coalition, who are accused of hypocrisy, waffling, and applying double standards. The criticism also extends to the Riigikogu Board for making unlawful decisions, as well as to the Supreme Court and the Chancellor of Justice, all of whom are seen as promoting double standards. The opponents are also charged with political opportunism and changing their views ('having jumped ship from one party to another').
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Willingness to cooperate is absent; the speaker is confrontational and accuses the opposing side of lacking principled commitment and engaging in activities that threaten the survival of the state. Instead of seeking compromises, the opposing party is required to deliver a clear and resolute political decision.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly national (language law, the nation-state) and international (the language of the aggressor state, Russia’s assets). Local or regional issues are not reflected in the speeches; the emphasis is placed on protecting the identity of the nation and the state.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue revolves around language policy and national identity. Demands are being made for strict adherence to the language law and the termination of Russian's status as a second state language in official institutions, emphasizing its crucial importance for the survival of the nation-state. In the field of education, criticism is directed at the slow pace and lack of resolve regarding the transition to Estonian-language instruction.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed towards draft legislation that would terminate the use of the Russian language on the websites of Estonian state institutions, with the group acting as either the initiator or a strong supporter of these measures. Furthermore, the decisions made by the Riigikogu Board regarding the voting requirements for the submitted bills (specifically, the 51-vote requirement) are being criticized and deemed unlawful.
2 Speeches Analyzed