Session Profile: Mart Helme
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-01-14
Political Position
The most striking theme is the strong opposition to the state's excessive classification ("secrecy mania") and the lack of transparency regarding how officials and state institutions use public funds. The speaker urgently demands an end to classification and the establishment of equal transparency standards for all constitutional institutions, viewing the current situation as an abnormal rule of law characterized by corruption and double standards. The focus is value-based (transparency) and results-based (criticism of state administration, e.g., the Nordica case).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of state secret regulations (referencing secrets marked 'Internal Use' (AK) and those with specific security classifications), the management crises and corruption (specifically, the fraudulent transfer of funds) within state-owned enterprises (Nordica, Estonian Air), and strategic issues related to defense force procurements, drawing on the war experiences of the last three years. Furthermore, the speaker is aware of the National Audit Office's limited capacity to audit all official expenditures.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style of delivery is extremely combative, urgent, and emotional, utilizing strong, condemnatory language (e.g., "total secrecy mania," "secret enterprise"). The speaker employs numerous rhetorical questions, dramatic anecdotes (the beer bottle incident, the Georg Ots story), and hyperbole to underscore the perceived injustice and hypocrisy. The tone is highly critical of bureaucracy and the ruling elite.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speeches were delivered during the debate of the plenary session. The speaker referenced a previous working lunch with Estonian pig farmers, which had taken place during the term of the previous Riigikogu (Parliament), illustrating prior engagement with representatives of specific economic sectors. It was also noted that the issue of classification has been repeatedly debated in the Riigikogu, but no tangible results have been achieved.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary adversaries are the Government, the bureaucracy, and specific high-level institutions, such as the Chancellor of Justice, the Prosecutor General, and the leadership of the Defence Forces. The criticism is both procedural (the commission refusing to debate the draft legislation) and substantive (excessive secrecy and inefficient public procurement). The highest intensity of criticism is directed at corruption and the lack of accountability, citing the Nordica case, which has been labeled as "state theft."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is not enough data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily domestic (transparency of state institutions, Nordica) and international (a reference to wartime experience in the context of defense procurements). A specific meeting was mentioned with Estonian agricultural producers, specifically pig farmers, regarding the viability issues facing their sector.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker sharply criticizes the lack of transparency and control over the use of funds by state institutions, particularly the Defence Forces and the secretaries-general. A strong anti-corruption stance is expressed, citing Nordica as an example, which is viewed as a case of long-term state theft and the siphoning off of public money. Financial discipline and accountability are preferred over opaque spending.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is increasing transparency and accountability in state institutions, categorically demanding an end to the use of the "AK" (for official use) designation. The speaker criticizes the procedural decision by the Riigikogu committee to reject the draft bill and demands that the government respond to Parliament's initiatives by submitting legislative amendments.
3 Speeches Analyzed