Session Profile: Mart Helme
The 15th Riigikogu, 6th Session, Information Hour
2025-10-15
Political Position
The political focus is heavily directed toward internal security and the threat posed by the fifth column, which is viewed as a greater risk than the inadequate protection of the external border. The speaker strongly criticizes the government's inaction and urgently calls for the creation of a 3,000-strong crisis reserve to neutralize domestic conflicts. The political framework is strongly performance-based, centering on the government's failure to defend the state.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in border treaty negotiations (the Saatse boot, land exchange, land quality assessments/bonitation) and the field of internal security. He cites specific figures (an estimated 5,000 trained personnel, 10,000 war refugees) and uses historical parallels (the 1939 Jupo) to support his arguments. He explains the reasons behind the lack of a road through the Saatse boot area, linking it to the anticipated border treaty.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is insistent, alarmist, and highly confrontational, employing vivid and frightening scenarios (the capture of Stenbock House in 15 minutes, the declaration of Tallinn as a Free City). The speaker accuses opponents of "polit-technological hysteria" and uses emotional metaphors, such as "barbarians within the fortress walls," to emphasize the severity of the internal threat.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker refers to past activities: conducting border negotiations with Russia, organizing trips to Setomaa with tourist groups, and the previous government’s plans to establish a crisis reserve. The current operational pattern involves actively participating in the Riigikogu (Parliament) information session to question the government’s actions, with a focus on security issues.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the current government, which is sharply criticized for neglecting internal security and failing to establish a crisis reserve. The government's efforts to secure the external border (dragon's teeth, ditch) are deemed ineffective and politically engineered. The criticism is based on policy and procedure, accusing the government of fueling the hysteria.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Insufficient data. The statements presented are purely critical and focus on questioning the government’s political and security-related shortcomings; there are no references to cooperation.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is heavily placed on border areas (the Saatse Boot, Setomaa) and internal conflict hotspots. Specific attention is drawn to the vulnerability of Ida-Virumaa and Tallinn (Stenbock House) in scenarios involving domestic insurrection and the declaration of autonomy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data. The speaker focuses on security and defense spending (crisis reserve, border facilities) but does not address broader economic, tax, or trade policy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is linked to security risks, stressing the existence of a "fifth column" and the threat posed by war refugees who arrived from Ukraine via Russia. These groups are framed as potential domestic insurgents who could take over the country, prioritizing national security.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main political priority is the creation and equipping of a crisis reserve with 3,000 men to neutralize domestic threats. The speaker was the initiator of this measure in the previous government and is currently critical of the fact that the current government has not created this reserve.
3 Speeches Analyzed