Session Profile: Mart Helme
15th Estonian Parliament, 5th session, plenary sitting
2025-02-19
Political Position
The political position focuses strongly on national security, crisis preparedness, and infrastructure protection, criticizing the government's inaction and short-term, campaign-style activity ("a quick burst of activity followed by nothing"). The speaker supports strategic investments (underwater surveillance, rescue vessels) and international cooperation in the Baltic Sea. He sharply opposes ideological bills which, in his assessment, damage relations with the USA (rhetoric concerning the protection of Christians) and provoke Russia (attacking the Orthodox Church), considering this the greatest security threat.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
High expertise is evident in topics concerning national defense, maritime security, and crisis preparedness, highlighting specific examples (BRELL, the destruction of cables, the need for underwater surveillance). He uses historical references to his previous work on the National Defense Commission and as an ambassador in Moscow, demonstrating knowledge of relations between great powers. Specific figures are presented (42 million euros for the cost of the vessel, 2,000 vessels in the Baltic Sea).
8 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is sharp, critical, and forceful, utilizing vivid anecdotes and metaphors (e.g., "the little bog," "ducks facing a hunter's rifle"). He leans heavily on personal and historical experience (ambassador, commission member) and accuses his opponents of "childish talk" and "liberal ideological purism." The overall tone demands concrete action, not just words ("less noise, longer stride").
8 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker’s operational history points to a previously active role in national defense (National Defense Committee 2015/2016) and the government, focusing specifically on developing crisis preparedness and the navy. They reference meetings with the US Congressional delegation and personal ties to the former US Ambassador in Moscow. Their current focus is a plenary debate criticizing the failure to execute earlier strategic plans.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary adversary is the current government, which faces criticism for its inaction, lack of political will, and the sabotage of earlier plans, with references also made to the interference of the "deep state." The speaker also fiercely attacks ideological opponents, accusing them of "liberal ideological purism" and waging a culture war that jeopardizes Estonia’s security. He labels the bill’s proponents as the Republic of Estonia’s "greatest security threat."
8 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation is considered essential at the international level for monitoring the Baltic Sea and developing defense capabilities, underscoring the necessity of inter-state task forces. Domestically, he points to previous attempts to coordinate volunteer rescue services and the naval fleet, which were abandoned due to political instability. The current debate lacks any openness to compromise; instead, the focus is solely on demanding political will and funding.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national security and the international geopolitical situation (the Baltic Sea, BRELL, the US-Moscow dialogue). Regionally, Southern Estonia is mentioned in connection with the storm damage and power outages of 2019/2020. Reference is also made to inland bodies of water, which require specific rescue vessels in the context of equipping volunteer squads.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are tied to strategic national spending and procurement, highlighting the necessity of funding the development of security and rescue capabilities. Specific figures are cited (42 million euros for a border guard vessel) alongside the requirement to commission 40 to 50 seaworthy rescue craft. The core focus is on channeling state funds into long-term security projects, which were simultaneously connected to measures designed to support the economy.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue revolves around religious freedom and the protection of Christians. This topic is addressed within a geopolitical framework, specifically referencing Donald Trump's foreign policy stances. The speaker firmly opposes the draft bill targeting the Orthodox Church, viewing it as liberal ideological purism and a provocation that poses a security threat.
8 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is critical: He/She opposes the ideological bill concerning churches, viewing it as posing a security threat. He/She supports the general direction of the security-related bill but criticizes its inadequacy, demanding immediate procurements and political will (e.g., ordering a border patrol vessel, underwater surveillance systems). He/She emphasizes that the bill alone is insufficient; action is required.
8 Speeches Analyzed