Session Profile: Mart Helme
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Information Hour
2025-10-08
Political Position
The political stance is strongly oppositional, focusing on the current government’s (the Reform Party’s) alleged corruption within major energy projects (specifically wind farms) and the defense industry. He/She expresses vehement opposition to risking Estonia’s security by triggering NATO Article 4, deeming such an action irresponsible and a move toward dragging the country into war. His/Her positions are firmly rooted in values (anti-corruption) and results (specifically, the cost of border construction).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the history of border construction, costs, and previous procurements (drones, cameras), contrasting the actions of the previous government with the current one. He/She is also familiar with international security policy, specifically referencing the justification for triggering NATO Article 4 and the views of Dutch Prime Minister Rutte.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely combative, accusatory, and personal, using strong emotional appeals and sharp expressions ("Corruption, my dear fellow!", "Nonsense!"). It often uses rhetorical questions to cast doubt on the opposing party's motives (chasing ratings) and emphasizes responsibility for the lives of the Estonian people.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
There is insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the Reform Party and Minister Kristen Michal, who stands accused of widespread corruption, distributing financial resources to friends and relatives, and jeopardizing national security. The attacks are intense and personal, referencing both earlier scandals (the plastic bag affair) and current major projects.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speech is purely confrontational and aggressive, focusing on defending the actions of the previous government while attacking the current one. There are no references to cooperation, compromise, or cross-party action.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national issues, particularly border security and defense matters, as well as the funding of major state energy projects (wind farms). The Vaindloo area is mentioned in connection with the flight paths of Russian aircraft.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are strongly fiscally critical, opposing the channeling of billions of euros into wind farms and a defense industry park, which is considered corrupt distribution of funds. It supports cost-effectiveness and responsible organization of public procurements, citing the EKRE government's cheaper border construction as an example.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is insufficient data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The focus is on criticizing the government's actions and political decisions (border construction, procurements, security policy), rather than highlighting specific draft legislation or legislative work. He/She sharply criticizes the government's intentions to channel billions of euros into wind farms and a defense industry park.
1 Speeches Analyzed