Session Profile: Mart Helme
15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, press briefing
2024-09-25
Political Position
The political position heavily focuses on foreign policy, criticizing the Estonian government's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. It alleges that Estonia supports the escalation of the war and has effectively sided with Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Domestically, it emphasizes the necessity of improving the format of the Riigikogu (Parliament) question time to elicit concrete answers from the government. These views are strongly value-based (centering on Estonia's moral position) and highly critical of the government's actions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding international politics, geopolitical alignments (Israel, USA, Russia, Hezbollah), and parliamentary rules of procedure. Specific terminology, such as the "rules-based world order," is employed, and procedural solutions (like convening the Council of Elders) are referenced. While data or statistics are absent, the argumentation is grounded in the analysis of political alliances.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, accusatory, and pressing, employing strong language such as "demagogic," "absurd talk," and "with a torrent of accusations." The speaker relies on emotional appeals and dramatic comparisons (e.g., the Soviet era, a mosquito on a bull's horn) to criticize the opponents' inadequacy and their evasion of answers. The focus is on challenging the opponent's honesty and competence while demanding concrete responses.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the Riigikogu question times, noting that the conviction regarding the need to take action deepens "from one session to the next." This indicates regular attendance and continuous critical monitoring of the government's activities. Specific references to other events or trips are absent.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is highly intense and directed at government ministers (Kristen Michal, Tsahkna, Vseviov). The criticism is both substantive (foreign policy) and procedural (avoiding answers), accusing the opponents of demagoguery and providing inadequate responses. No willingness to compromise is evident; rather, there is a demand for the board's intervention to hold the government accountable.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation indicates alignment with other opposition members (mentioning Urmas Reinsalu) who are also demanding specific answers. The primary desire for cooperation is aimed at the Riigikogu Board and the Council of Elders to consider a change in format, rather than finding compromises with the government.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on international topics (Israel, Russia, the USA, Iran, North Korea) and the national level (the working procedures of the Riigikogu). There are no references to local or regional issues within Estonia.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on amending the Riigikogu's procedures and organization of work. The speaker calls upon the Board and the Council of Elders to consider a format change to ensure that both the public and members of the Riigikogu receive adequate responses.
2 Speeches Analyzed