Session Profile: Mart Helme
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th session, plenary session
2024-09-23
Political Position
The political focus is heavily on foreign policy, particularly issues concerning Israel and the Middle East, as well as the defense of national sovereignty. The speaker forcefully supports moving the embassy to Jerusalem, viewing it as a necessary step to support Israel and acknowledge historical justice. He sharply criticizes the inconsistency and lack of authority in Estonia's foreign policy, especially regarding a UN vote where Estonia aligned itself with Russia. The positions articulated are strongly value-based, emphasizing historical and cultural identity.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the history of the Middle East conflict, referencing specific wars (1967, 1973) and peace treaties (Oslo, Camp David). Furthermore, he/she possesses an authoritative grasp of the development of Estonian foreign policy, diplomatic conventions (the Vienna Convention), and the internal workings of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noting their prior work experience before the year 2000.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is passionate, at times combative and cautionary, employing strong emotional appeals, especially in the context of supporting Israel and Jerusalem. The speaker uses historical parallels (Rome, the Crusades, German capitals) and hypothetical situations (Narva autonomy, the division of Tallinn) to illustrate the principle of sovereignty. Strong judgments are used (e.g., "embarrassing and frankly completely incomprehensible and unacceptable") along with metaphors (e.g., "a goat between several haystacks") to emphasize the muddle in foreign policy.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speeches were delivered during the plenary session as part of the debate on a specific draft bill. The speaker referenced their prior experience at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (before the year 2000) and repeated visits to Israel and the US, positioning themselves as an outside observer. They noted that the Foreign Affairs Committee is not holding sessions this week, which prevents them from seeking clarification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary criticism is aimed at the Estonian government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, faulting them for inconsistency, lack of authority, and the erosion of sovereign decision-making power. Criticism is also leveled at the role of European Union member states who consider Israel the aggressor and are pushing for the two-state solution. Another adversary is "the ancient enemy Russia," with whom Estonia found itself sharing the same position at the UN.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The willingness to cooperate is low; the speaker expects the chamber to vote down the supported bill. He emphasizes the need to act as an independent sovereign state, not as a mere appendage of allies or organizations, thereby signaling a desire to avoid policies dictated by Brussels or Washington. He criticizes the one-sided nature of Estonia’s relations with the USA, which are channeled solely toward the "globalist liberal side."
9 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is almost entirely on international issues, especially the Middle East conflict (Israel, Jerusalem) and Estonia's relations with its major allies (the USA, the EU, Russia). Domestic examples (Narva, Tallinn) are used solely to illustrate the principle of national sovereignty. The sovereignty issues of Ukraine and Georgia (Tbilisi) are also mentioned.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
No data available
9 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Instead of focusing on social issues, a strong cultural and religious framework is employed, emphasizing Jerusalem's importance as the "cradle of Christianity" and the "capital of the Christian world." The speaker expresses emotional opposition to the city falling under Muslim control, referencing the motivations behind the Crusades. This is connected to the recognition and solidification of cultural identity.
9 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is the bill concerning the relocation of the embassy to Jerusalem, a measure the speaker strongly supports and champions. He urges his colleagues to support this legislation, stressing the moral, legal, and cultural significance of this action.
9 Speeches Analyzed