Session Profile: Mart Helme
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
2024-04-17
Political Position
The political position centers on strong, value-based opposition to e-elections and their expansion (m-elections), emphasizing that they violate constitutional principles (secrecy, uniformity). The stance is that delegating the authority to establish rules to the election service is irregular and leads to illegitimate governments. The speaker demands that the legislature clearly define the procedures in law to prevent legal violations and arbitrary action.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in matters of electoral law and constitutionalism, citing Supreme Court rulings, Chairman Villu Kõve’s dissenting opinions, and various legal nuances. The analysis is particularly detailed concerning the lack of secrecy surrounding the e-vote and the procedural hurdles involved in challenging election results. They employ specific terminology (norm review, comprehensive evaluation, delegation) and stress the necessity for rules to be precisely established by statute.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style of discourse is highly combative, accusatory, and forceful, using strong language such as "abuse of power" and "lands in the trash." The argumentation is largely logical and legal, relying on Supreme Court materials, the dissenting opinions of Villu Kõve, and constitutional provisions. At the same time, deep personal distrust toward the election service is expressed, and a Norstat poll is cited to demonstrate the lack of public confidence.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of action involves active and repeated participation in the debate during the plenary session, presenting lengthy explanations and raising questions regarding the constitutionality of e-elections. The action culminated in a political protest, where the EKRE faction walked out of the session, protesting the arbitrary actions of the presidium and the coalition.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary adversaries are the Coalition, the Board of the Riigikogu, and the Electoral Service, all of whom are accused of violating laws and engaging in arbitrary action. The criticism is intense, focusing mainly on procedural and legal issues, specifically the delegation of authority and the alleged bias of the Electoral Service staff (their acceptability to the Reform Party leadership). The opposition is absolute, given that the speaker asserts the e-voting system has resulted in the formation of illegitimate governments.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Willingness to cooperate is absent; the speaker expresses deep distrust towards the opposing side and concludes their participation by leaving the session as part of the faction's joint protest. There are no references to bilateral or cross-factional cooperation.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is exclusively national, centered on the constitutionality and electoral laws of the Republic of Estonia. The brief reference to the speaking styles of South and North Estonians was purely rhetorical.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative focus is the opposition to expanding the regulation of e-voting (including m-voting) and the demand that the legislator precisely detail the election procedures in the law. The speaker is a strong opponent of the bill under consideration, as it makes the system even more vague, uncontrollable, and unconstitutional.
8 Speeches Analyzed