Session Profile: Mart Helme
15th Riigikogu, Riigikogu's extraordinary session.
2024-07-22
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government's actions, which are described as having brought society to the brink of collapse over the past 3.5 years. The primary focus is on the excessive tax burden and obligations placed upon entrepreneurs, as well as criticism of the green transition, which has driven up the cost of fossil fuels. Furthermore, questions are being raised about the suitability of a ministerial candidate due to their foreign policy stances (specifically, the status of Crimea), which points toward a security and value-based framework.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates awareness of the economic breaking point, questioning the maximum burden (taxes and obligations) that can be imposed on society and businesses without causing a collapse. Furthermore, expertise in energy policy is evident, linking the rising price of fossil fuels to the green transition and the CO2 tax. A substantive procedural question was also raised concerning the application of the Riigikogu's Rules of Procedure and the Election Law during a transition of government.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is highly combative and accusatory, employing dramatic language (e.g., "on the verge of collapse," "we were lied to"). Strong emotional appeals are utilized, accusing the government of continuing to shatter society. Sharp rhetorical questions and counterattacks are used, such as accusing the opponent of playing the "Kremlin card."
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker has been active during the extraordinary session concerning the change of government, posing questions to the prime ministerial candidate and raising procedural issues. It is noted that procedures were also closely monitored by the faction via television, which indicates continuous engagement with the session's topics.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the ruling coalition and prime ministerial candidate Kristen Michal. The criticism is intense and multifaceted, covering the government’s inability to govern, political dishonesty (lying during elections), and incompetence (regarding the tax burden and the green transition). They are also criticizing the composition of the cabinet and the procedural correctness of forming the government.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national issues (the state of Estonian society, the burden placed on businesses) and international security (the status of Crimea and Russia). There is no specific regional focus.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are fiercely opposed to taxes and regulations, arguing that they are pushing businesses and society to the brink of collapse. Specific criticism is leveled at the CO2 tax and the green transition, which have rendered fossil fuels expensive and uncompetitive. They are calling for the involvement of knowledgeable experts who can accurately assess the tolerance threshold for the burden being placed on society.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is centered on the overall resilience and well-being of Estonian society, which government policies are allegedly undermining. This is closely tied to the issue of the economic burden, which impacts members of society across the board.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on procedural accuracy during the transition of government. In particular, emphasis is placed on the necessity of adhering to the rules of procedure and the Election Act concerning the relinquishing of Riigikogu mandates by ministers and the subsequent replacement by substitute members.
5 Speeches Analyzed