Session Profile: Mart Helme
XV Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-11-10
Political Position
The political stance is fiercely oppositional to the Reform Party-led government, leveling accusations of failure in guaranteeing national security and precipitating a demographic and economic collapse. The speaker urgently emphasizes the necessity of restoring public trust in elections and safeguarding Estonian sovereignty during the formulation of foreign policy decisions. The political framework is intensely results-oriented and values-driven, further accusing the government of constitutional abuse.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a detailed understanding of security and national defense topics, especially concerning drone incidents, gaps in radar capability, and the bureaucracy surrounding border construction. Specific data on the socio-economic situation is utilized, highlighting an increase of 8,000 people falling below the poverty line and 44,000 people managing on less than 365 euros per month. Furthermore, knowledge is displayed regarding air traffic management and the circumstances surrounding the closure of Tallinn Airport.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely combative, accusatory, and insistent, employing strong and emotional expressions (e.g., "childish talk," "skin merchant," "corporate coup d'état"). The speaker often uses rhetorical questions and connects various events (the drone, the airport, Ust-Luga) into a narrative of government incompetence and cover-up. The objective is to appeal to the public through their sense of security and justice, highlighting the government's incapacity.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in the plenary sessions of the Riigikogu, submitting inquiries and questions to members of the government. His/Her participation in the morning caucus meeting is also noted. Reference is made to his/her previous intensive work as Minister of the Interior, which involved weekly meetings aimed at overcoming bureaucratic hurdles related to border infrastructure development.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party and key government figures (Kristen Michal, Margus Tsahkna). The criticism is intense, focusing on political failures (air defense, the economy) and procedural abuse (using the coalition majority to disregard the constitution). Tsahkna is called a "flesh peddler," and the government’s ascent to power is labeled a "Kaporatuur coup," which rules out any possibility of compromise.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speeches contain no references to cooperation or seeking compromise with other parties, focusing instead on defending the policies of their own parliamentary group (EKRE) and sharply criticizing the government's actions. The approach to engagement is strictly oppositional, intended to cast doubt on the government's legitimacy and competence.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national security and foreign policy, particularly concerning the war in Ukraine and the attacks occurring in Russia’s immediate vicinity (Ust-Luga). Regionally, mention is made of the drone incident that took place in Koruste village, Elva municipality, Tartu County, and the temporary shutdown of operations at Tallinn Airport.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker sharply criticizes the government's economic policy, which has led to the impoverishment of the nation and demographic collapse. It is emphasized that the government's foreign policy ambitions (such as the coalition of the willing) are increasing the financial burden and suffering of the Estonian people. Support is voiced for prioritizing national prosperity and independence over foreign policy posturing.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker emphasizes the "absolute demographic collapse" and the falling birth rate, viewing this as a serious consequence of the Reform Party's governance. Furthermore, the rise in immigration and the growth of poverty are cited as direct social problems requiring immediate resolution. These issues are framed as a national crisis.
11 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on scrutinizing the government via parliamentary inquiries, particularly those related to the investigation of security incidents and proposed legislation concerning military missions. The speaker criticizes the government for putting the Riigikogu (Parliament) in an impossible position when deciding on the deployment of combat units, demanding respect for parliamentary sovereignty. Previous work on the border construction budget and procurement issues is also mentioned.
11 Speeches Analyzed