Session Profile: Mart Helme
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-02-25
Political Position
The speaker strongly opposes two legislative initiatives—the amendment of the Churches and Congregations Act and constitutional amendments concerning voting rights for stateless persons—calling them unconstitutional "blunders." This stance is value-based, emphasizing the violation of constitutionalism and the principles of the rule of law, and warning against the increasing influence of Russia. He supports imposing voting restrictions on declared Russian citizens but considers the expansion of voting rights for "grey passport holders" to be "utterly senseless" and a security risk.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge in the fields of constitutional law, legislative procedure, and citizenship policy. Particular emphasis is placed on the problems associated with the commented edition of the Constitution and the resulting rise of "arbitrary law" within the state and parliament. Detailed legal and security aspects concerning gray passport holders and the possibilities of acquiring Russian citizenship are also addressed, along with the associated issues involving third-country nationals (e.g., Palestinians, Eritreans).
4 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaking style is extremely combative, emotional, and urgent, utilizing strong, disparaging metaphors ("a total mess," "Pandora's box") and personal appeals ("Dear friends"). The appeal is primarily emotional and value-based, criticizing the legal arbitrariness that stems from the annotated editions of the constitution, and concluding with a direct call to conscience.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in plenary sessions, focusing on criticizing government initiatives and referencing both the bills debated last week and those currently under discussion. The speaker also refers to his or her spouse's prior contribution to the topic, which suggests a political discussion took place within the family circle.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the ruling coalition, which is accused of political opportunism, corrupt "behind-the-scenes deals," and establishing arbitrary rule. The criticism is intense, ranging from procedural accusations (the distortion of the constitution) to historical ones (the surrender of church assets), and the coalition is referred to by the public as "absolutely hated and despised."
4 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is no willingness to compromise with the coalition, and we categorically demand their withdrawal to prevent the deepening problems facing the Estonian state. The similar concerns of colleague Seeder regarding the voting rights of third-country nationals are noted, pointing to potential opposition cooperation on certain issues.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national level (the Estonian constitution and electoral system) and international security, emphasizing Russian aggression and its potential impact on Estonian domestic politics. Third-country nationals (Palestinians, Eritreans) are also mentioned in relation to issues concerning voting rights.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data
4 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In the social sphere, the focus is on religious freedom and opposing amendments to the law on churches, deeming such changes unconstitutional. The question of citizenship and suffrage is addressed through the prism of security, opposing the granting of voting rights to holders of "grey passports" (stateless residents), arguing that this would open the door to individuals with Russian citizenship.
4 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is ensuring the defeat of two specific bills: the amendment to the Law on Churches and Congregations, and the proposed changes to constitutional voting rights. The speaker vehemently opposes these bills, stressing that they are unconstitutional and catastrophic, and warns against political backroom deals aimed at pushing them through.
4 Speeches Analyzed