Session Profile: Mart Helme
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
2024-04-29
Political Position
The political focus is heavily value-based, centering on mitigating the demographic crisis and ending state funding for abortions. Another significant issue is restricting the activities of the Bank of Estonia, demanding strict adherence to its mandate of monetary policy stability while opposing climate policy initiatives. These positions are strongly opposed to the current priorities of the government and the central bank.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the European Union's founding treaties and the mandates of central banks, stressing that the ECB's sole mandate covers monetary policy and economic stability. Furthermore, the speaker is familiar with the demographic crisis and the role of the Chancellor of Justice, referring to the latter specifically as the children's ombudsman.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker’s style is confrontational and emotionally charged, utilizing strong moral language (e.g., referring to abortion as murder). A logical appeal is employed (referencing institutional mandates) alongside the rhetorical device *reductio ad absurdum* (the comparison involving paying extra to suicides and drug addicts). The tone is sharp and condemns the opposing side’s arguments as absurd.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the government and the Reform Party, who face criticism both for their political priorities (demographics, the funding of abortions) and for previous inappropriate conduct in the Riigikogu chamber. The Bank of Estonia is also criticized for overstepping its mandate by engaging in climate policy. The criticism is intense and uncompromising, categorically rejecting the arguments put forth by the opposing side.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Not enough data.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national issues (the demographic crisis, the Bank of Estonia) and international issues (the foundational treaties of the European Union). There is no mention of specific regional or local problems.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
It supports strict fiscal and monetary discipline, demanding that the Bank of Estonia adhere strictly to its statutory mandate. It opposes the central bank financing climate policy, viewing this as a source of economic instability. Demographic growth is tied to the necessity of increasing the number of taxpayers.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The sociopolitical focus is heavily directed toward the demographic crisis, demanding an end to state funding for abortions. Abortion is treated as morally extremely negative, being labeled as murder and rejecting the argument of bodily autonomy while stressing the existence of a second life. Emphasis is placed on the state's obligation to contribute to the growth of the Estonian nation.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on demanding changes to existing policies (abortion funding) and restricting the activities of institutions (the Bank of Estonia) in line with their original mandate. Specific legislative initiatives or bills were not mentioned in the speeches.
4 Speeches Analyzed