Session Profile: Mart Helme
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
2024-06-05
Political Position
The political position is one of strong opposition, characterizing the government as a regime in agony that violates laws and imposes taxes. The main issue is the opposition to the car tax, which is framed as a violation of constitutional rights and the inviolability of private property. They maintain a strong values-based platform, emphasizing the government's incompetence, deceitfulness, and hostility toward the people.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of constitutional principles, especially concerning the inviolability of private property and rights, which he believes have been violated by the government. He is aware of public opinion, referencing a petition with 76,000 signatures opposing the car tax. There is no use of specific technical data or statistics; instead, he relies on legal and political rhetoric.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaking style is extremely combative, aggressive, and condemnatory, employing strong emotional appeals and extreme terminology such as "demagoguery," "agony," and "horrible end." Personal attacks ("stupider," "baser," "more deceitful") are used to characterize the opponent, and the appeal is made to morality and values rather than data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the plenary sessions and debates of the Riigikogu, monitoring procedures even when viewing them on a screen. There is no data regarding the frequency of their speeches or other public appearances outside the parliamentary session.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is aimed directly at the government and its regime, which is accused of breaking the law, lying, and disregarding public opinion. The criticism is intense and wide-ranging, encompassing both political decisions (the car tax) and moral condemnation. The objective is the swift collapse and overthrow of the government, ruling out any form of cooperation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperative approach is directed solely at fellow opposition members, who are called upon not to impede the government's errors, thereby accelerating the regime's demise. There is no indication whatsoever of any willingness to compromise or engage in cross-party cooperation with the government.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on national issues, particularly the government's actions and tax policy, which affects every citizen. There are no references to specific regional or local matters, and the speaker also denies running in the European Parliament elections.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic views are strongly opposed to taxes, especially concerning the car tax, which is considered a violation of the inviolability of private property. The need to protect individual constitutional rights from government intervention is emphasized, citing a petition against the tax that has gathered 76,000 signatures.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Traditional social issues are not addressed, but there is a strong emphasis on civil liberties and the protection of private property against government overreach. Opposition to the taxation of personal property (cars) is framed as a violation of constitutional rights.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on opposing the government-initiated car tax, which is considered illegal and hostile to the public. Opposition is also being expressed toward the government's environmental conservation initiatives, which are being dubbed "sanctimonious nature saving." The speaker is a vocal critic of the government's proposals.
2 Speeches Analyzed