Session Profile: Mart Helme
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, information briefing
2024-05-29
Political Position
The political focus is strongly directed towards securing the state border and overall security, emphasizing the restoration of a militarized border guard and the creation of a crisis reserve. Emphasis is also placed on developing the control line that would cover the border defined by the Treaty of Tartu. This approach is aimed at monitoring the progress of government activities and previous initiatives, suggesting a rather performance-driven framework. Furthermore, there is a strong emphasis on the necessity of adhering to laws and international rules (e.g., the Vienna Convention).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the policy regarding border control and the establishment of the state border, as well as international law, specifically referencing the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Procedural and legal argumentation (rules of procedure and internal regulations) is favored to emphasize the obligations and limitations of official representatives.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is extremely combative, accusatory, and confrontational, employing strong emotional appeals and personal attacks (e.g., "your stupidity is still surprising"). Both procedural arguments (a protest against the chair's arbitrary actions) and legal arguments are utilized, referencing the Vienna Convention. The tone is predominantly condemnatory and critical, accusing the opposing side of destroying parliamentarism and riding roughshod over the rules.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the Riigikogu information session, posing questions to the Minister of the Interior and the Prime Minister. This pattern of activity includes both raising substantive security issues and lodging procedural protests against the presiding officer. There is no data available regarding other activities or regular communication patterns.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is highly intense and targets both the procedural arbitrariness of the Riigikogu Speaker and the personal conduct and competence of the Prime Minister (Kaja Kallas). The Prime Minister is sharply criticized for "stupidity" and disregarding the rules, with critics asserting that the government is trampling on laws, oversight mechanisms, and international regulations. The criticism is thus procedural, political, and personal.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
No data available.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is directed towards national security (border guard, crisis reserve) and international relations, particularly in the context of diplomatic rules and the Vienna Convention. Concerning the state border issue, the historical national aspect is emphasized, with reference to the Tartu Peace Treaty.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
No data available
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker addresses the codes of conduct for officials and diplomats, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to restrictions and laws, particularly regarding participation in demonstrations. This relates more broadly to national representation and respect for the international regulatory framework.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on monitoring the progress of key security initiatives (such as the restoration of the militarized border guard and the establishment of a crisis reserve). Furthermore, there is a strong emphasis on the requirement for strict adherence to the Riigikogu’s (Estonian Parliament's) rules of procedure, alongside criticism directed at the actions of the presiding officer.
2 Speeches Analyzed