Session Profile: Mart Helme
15th Riigikogu, extraordinary session of the Riigikogu
2024-07-29
Political Position
The political position involves extremely strong opposition to the government's tax policy (including the car tax and the rise in VAT), which is viewed as destructive to the Estonian nation-state and likely to cause a social catastrophe. The stance is deeply value-based, framing the government's actions as an assault on private property and the alienation of the people from their own state, drawing comparisons to an occupying power. Furthermore, the provision of foreign aid to Ukraine and Moldova at the expense of Estonian security is sharply criticized.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker focuses on analyzing the social and political consequences, linking the tax hikes (car tax and VAT) to a national catastrophe and systemic corruption. A public opinion poll is cited, showing 73% opposition to the car tax, but more detailed economic or technical data are lacking. The expertise presented consists primarily of moral and systemic criticism.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is highly combative, alarming, and intensely emotional, repeatedly employing terms like "criminal politics," "agony," and "social catastrophe." The rhetoric appeals to preventing the nation's demise and highlights personal tragedies, stressing that rational arguments hold no weight against a corrupt system. Strong metaphors are utilized, such as rotten floor joists and parquet, and a reference is made to the prophet Reits.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
All speeches were delivered during a single day at an extraordinary session of the Riigikogu, focusing on the debate and response concerning the draft bill. The speaker was highly active in the parliamentary chamber, repeatedly posing questions and taking the floor. There is no data available concerning other activities, meetings, or travel.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is aimed at the current government and coalition (the Reform Party and its satellites), which is described as a "system that is corrupt through and through, to its very core." The criticism is intense and wide-ranging, encompassing not only politics but also the actions of the Supreme Court and the Chancellor of Justice, who are allegedly giving their blessing to arbitrary rule. Specific opponents named were Vladimir Svet (who was accused of buying a ministerial post by defecting) and Kristen Michal.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
A cooperative style is absent; the speaker is in strict opposition to the coalition, calling on members of the coalition parties to reconsider their position and vote against the bill. There is no indication of seeking compromise or cross-party cooperation; the communication is confrontational.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The emphasis is primarily at the national level (the fate of the Estonian nation-state and the alienation of the populace) and at the international level (criticism of foreign aid directed toward Ukraine and Moldova). There is no local or regional focus, although the negative impact of the draft bill on families and children's school commute due to the lack of public transportation is mentioned.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly opposed to tax increases (car tax, VAT), arguing that they infringe upon private property and hit people's wallets, thus demotivating the Estonian populace. The cumulative social cost of these tax policies is highlighted, leading to people losing social status and ultimately emigrating from Estonia.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The focus of social issues centers on the social catastrophe caused by the draft legislation, which affects vulnerable groups, such as children with disabilities and large families, and prevents children from accessing school. The most critical social issue is the survival and demise of the nation, which government policy directly threatens, leading to the scattering of Estonians across the globe.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on the strong opposition surrounding the currently debated bill (the car tax), which is now in the Riigikogu for its second and third readings. The speaker is an active opponent attempting to present logical arguments against this "criminal" piece of legislation, emphasizing its devastating impact on the nation.
5 Speeches Analyzed