Session Profile: Mart Helme
15th Estonian Parliament, 3rd session, plenary session.
2024-06-12
Political Position
The political position centers on strong opposition to the government’s fiscal policy, particularly the car tax, which is seen as an attack on property rights and the wallets of ordinary citizens. Another crucial issue is the constitutionality of e-elections, demanding a clear and unambiguous stance from the Supreme Court regarding the contradictions involved. The political framework is strongly value-based (property rights) and highly critical of the government’s activities.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker is well-versed in the Supreme Court's previous rulings and the legal inconsistencies surrounding e-elections, demanding a clear judicial assessment from the court. Regarding economic matters, the focus is on the broader, indirect impact of taxation on prices and services, though specific data or technical financial terminology is absent. The expertise demonstrated lies primarily in highlighting political principles and legal issues.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaking style is extremely combative, emotional, and provocative, utilizing powerful metaphors (such as 'an axe between the eyes' or 'the bacchanalia of liberals') and overtly accusatory language. The appeals are primarily emotional and moral, leveling accusations of irresponsibility, negligence, and shamelessness against opponents. Rather than relying on logical arguments, the rhetoric emphasizes the decline in people's living standards and employs religious language ('the Lord in heaven sees everything').
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participated in the plenary session of the Riigikogu, focusing on ongoing legislative procedures, such as the car tax and the supplementary budget. Reference was made to previous arguments that have been repeatedly presented during the proceedings. Planned extra-sessional sittings were also mentioned.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opposition is directed at the ruling coalition (the "liberal front"), who are accused of sheer stupidity, irresponsibility, and a complete disregard for the interests of the people. The criticism is intense and personal, hinting at the moral decay of the opponents and even the possibility that election results could be falsified by the "deep state." There is no willingness to compromise; rather, opponents are called upon to feel shame and finally come to their senses.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation with the ruling coalition is ruled out. The speaker notes that representatives of other opposition parties have also presented similar arguments against the government’s policy, pointing to a certain tactical united front within the opposition.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is strictly at the national level, dealing with constitutional matters (e-elections) and the nation’s economic policy overall. There is no specific regional focus; the emphasis is generally placed on "Estonia's most ordinary, simplest people."
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are fiercely anti-tax, especially concerning the car tax, which is viewed as an infringement on property rights and the brutal extraction of money from people's wallets. They are critical of the government's attempts to balance the budget, claiming these efforts are devastating to the Estonian economy and standard of living.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus centers on the sharp and permanent deterioration of the living standards of ordinary Estonian people, families with children, the elderly, and the poor, due to the government's tax policy. Arguments about saving the climate and environmental protection are dismissed as empty rhetoric that does not justify lowering people's standard of living.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed at opposing the car tax and criticizing the supplementary budget procedure. A clear stance is also being demanded from the Supreme Court regarding the unconstitutionality of e-elections, in order to compel the Riigikogu (Parliament) to resolve inconsistencies. The speaker is a strong opponent of the bills initiated by the government.
3 Speeches Analyzed