Session Profile: Mart Helme
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary session.
2024-11-13
Political Position
The political position is strongly opposed to the government (especially the Reform Party) and the proposed state budget, stressing that the budget is non-transparent, corrupt, and will lead to the impoverishment of the people. The main issues highlighted are the country's economic decline, the worsening standard of living, and the inefficient and dubious allocation of national defense expenditures. The stance is heavily performance-based, asserting that life has only gotten worse over the last three years and that Estonia has fallen into the "mud league."
12 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise on the lack of transparency in the state budget, citing criticism from the Auditor General and finance specialists (Aivar Sõerd). He also possesses knowledge regarding the history of the Estonian defense industry (Arsenal) and regional policy funding mechanisms, using personal examples related to the allocation of 'roof money' (pork-barrel spending). Furthermore, he highlights historical facts concerning the negotiations for the withdrawal of Russian forces and the decisions made by former defense ministers.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker’s style is extremely combative, accusatory, and emotional, employing strong metaphors and personal attacks against coalition members ("a swarm of rats," "dear little children who have shorn yourselves green in the head here"). Emphasis is placed on the contrast between the government’s optimistic narrative and the "prosaic" reality, appealing directly to the common person’s perception of the deteriorating quality of life. The speech is at times ironic and cautionary, promising accountability for legal violations.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is active in plenary sessions, repeatedly addressing issues related to the budget and procedural rules, utilizing both longer prepared speeches and spontaneous interventions. The reading of Finnish newspapers and previous travel experiences (in Central Asia) are mentioned to illustrate Estonia's lagging development, but regular public appearances or meetings are not described.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party and the ruling coalition, who are accused of deliberately violating laws, corruption, and defrauding the public. The criticism is intense and covers both procedural violations (such as bundling amendment proposals) and moral incompetence (referring to them as "serf-keepers"). The speaker warns members of the coalition about potential personal criminal liability in the future.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
His style of cooperation is highly supportive of his opposition colleagues, particularly concerning the views of the Isamaa faction and finance specialist Aivar Sõerd, for whom he holds deep respect. There is absolutely no readiness to cooperate with the coalition, as their actions are viewed as deliberate abuse of power and a criminal offense, thereby precluding any compromise.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
It emphasizes the importance of grassroots regional policy, citing as an example the support provided to Anna Church through earmarked state funds (katuseraha), which it deems a transparent and necessary method for implementing regional policy. It criticizes the government for its inability to develop vital domestic infrastructure, such as the four-lane road between Tallinn and Tartu.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are sharply critical of the government’s fiscal policy, which is deemed opaque, corrupt, and designed for "crony enrichment." The budget is being labeled the "budget of stupidity and corruption." It is stressed that life has deteriorated under the current government’s leadership, and Estonia has economically fallen to the level of poorer countries, even as neighboring countries (Latvia, Lithuania) are cheaper.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social issues are not the central focus, but the nation's catastrophic state is illustrated through dramatic imagery of public chaos and peril. There are mentions of wolves preying on dogs in residential yards and bears raiding, suggesting a widespread decline in the quality of life and security under the current administration.
12 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is opposing the draft state budget due to its lack of transparency and the risk of corruption. A second priority is highlighting violations of the Riigikogu procedural rules, including the failure to process amendments and the practice of bundling them together, which is considered a breach of established traditions and laws.
12 Speeches Analyzed