Session Profile: Mart Helme
XV Riigikogu, VI Session, Plenary Sitting
2025-11-11
Political Position
The political platform is strongly value-based and resolute, focusing on national security, sovereignty, and cultural purity. Key issues include the immediate closure of the eastern border, halting mass immigration (especially of Slavs), and defending the fundamental principles of the Estonian constitution (such as freedom of speech) against European Union regulations. The solutions proposed by the government and the Isamaa party are viewed as half-measures that will undermine security in the long term.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of legal issues, referencing the conformity of the constitution and EU regulations, and employing a legal metaphor ("one clause straightens out the other"). Specific statistical data on immigration (6,500 immigrants, countries of origin) and historical parallels (the US Civil War in the 19th century) are also used to support arguments regarding domestic security and demographic threats.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaking style is highly combative, dramatic, and insistent, employing strong emotional appeals and provocative language (e.g., "pervert convention," "slaves," "fifth column"). Opponents are criticized both personally and politically, being called "half-measure men" and their actions "a half-step," as the speaker favors resolute solutions.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker is highly active during the plenary session, making multiple contributions in a single day and requesting additional time, demonstrating direct and responsive participation in the parliamentary debate. These contributions are focused on discussions of specific bills, expanding the topic to the broader issues of security and immigration.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the governing parties and Isamaa, who are criticized for their collective responsibility regarding the failure to close the eastern border and for offering half-baked solutions. The criticism is intense, accusing the opponents of undermining national security through the "import of Slavs" and labeling their actions as "nonsense." The special services are criticized for their poor performance in halting immigration.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style is conditional and pragmatic: support for Isamaa’s border bill is granted based on a matter of principle (closing the border with the aggressor state), not as a political favor. In return, a quid pro quo is demanded from Isamaa, specifically their support for withdrawing from the Istanbul Convention. The speaker stresses that they do not trust Isamaa and will not accept half-measures.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national security and border control, emphasizing the need for the immediate closure of the eastern border (the control line). Furthermore, the security threat is being extended to include the southern and northern borders, demanding that controls be established there. The impact of Russification on the streets of Tallinn is also mentioned.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are closely tied to security and social stability. The speaker is strongly opposed to the import of cheap labor, referring to them as "slaves" and warning that such actions will lead to an internal political crisis, citing the US Civil War as an example. It is believed that Estonia does not need this foreign workforce.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Sociopolitically, the speaker is strongly anti-immigration, viewing it as the threat of a "fifth column" and the "obvious Russification" of Estonia. He is also resolutely opposed to the Istanbul Convention, calling it the "pervo-convention" and "brainwashing of children" due to the "mumbo-jumbo surrounding fluid genders."
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently on supporting the closure of the eastern border, even though it is widely considered a partial solution. The speaker is a strong supporter of EKRE's earlier proposal to close the border immediately and is the proponent of the motion to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention.
5 Speeches Analyzed