Session Profile: Mart Helme
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-02-26
Political Position
The political focus is on compensating for and preventing damages caused by predators (wolves, bears, jackals) in rural areas, with strong support for the corresponding draft legislation. The speaker considers the current situation a threat to the sustainability of rural life and even the safety of children. There is strong opposition to the existence of the Ministry of Climate, which is being called absurd and irrational. The political framework is strongly value-based, protecting rural residents from bureaucratic indifference.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates practical expertise in the field of agriculture and livestock farming, citing personal experience with raising geese and dealing with predator damage. He/She is familiar with the issues surrounding damage compensation and prevention and understands the relationship between investments and returns on the farm. He/She also requests specific figures regarding the population size of predators (bears, wolves, jackals).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style of the speech is highly combative, emotional, and urgent, blending personal experiences (suffering losses as a farmer) with sharp political criticism. The speaker employs real-life examples and levels strong accusations against the coalition ("political jealousy," "being out of touch with reality"). The speaker uses metaphors and proverbs ("as the cook, so the rock") and poses rhetorical questions to emphasize the seriousness and absurdity of the situation.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Records indicate participation in the plenary session discussion concerning the draft bill on compensation for damage caused by predators. During this discussion, both questions regarding predator population numbers and a longer, substantive speech were delivered. There is no data available regarding other activity patterns.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is the governing coalition, which is being criticized for rejecting a substantive bill on purely political grounds and for blatant stonewalling. The criticism is intense, accusing the coalition of violating internal rules and procedures, and even blaming rural residents simply for existing ("it's your own fault"). The speaker warns that the coalition's actions jeopardize the nation's long-term sustainability.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker expresses ironic openness to improving the draft bill ("Go on, make it better!"), yet criticizes the coalition for refusing to do so, pointing to a clear lack of cooperation on this issue. The coalition's attitude is deemed politically envious and out of touch with reality, thereby precluding any meaningful collaboration.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus is placed on rural areas, forest homesteads, and agriculture, highlighting the problems faced by livestock farmers and beekeepers whose animals or hives have fallen victim to predators. The speaker draws on his personal experience as a farmer to emphasize the real dangers of rural life and the necessity of protecting rural residents.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The economic focus centers on protecting the investments and income of agricultural producers (sheep farmers, goose keepers, and beekeepers) from damage caused by predators. Compensation for these damages is demanded to ensure the sustainability of rural households and prevent the loss of invested capital. Criticism is directed at officials who are unwilling to compensate for these economic losses.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social concern revolves around the safety of rural residents, particularly young children (aged four to five), living in isolated forest homesteads. They are increasingly threatened by predators whose habitats are expanding. This situation is framed as one requiring resolution through proactive legislation to prevent tragic accidents. The protection of dogs and other domestic animals is also stressed.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is supporting the bill concerning the compensation and prevention of damages caused by predators, which is viewed as a proactive measure to resolve the situation. The speaker is a strong supporter of this initiative and sharply criticizes the coalition's decision to reject it.
2 Speeches Analyzed