Session Profile: Mart Helme
Fifteenth Riigikogu, fifth sitting, plenary session
2025-03-18
Political Position
The political position is strongly nation-state focused and opposes globalist/liberal policies, especially regarding immigration and cheap labor. The main concerns are Estonia's demographic crisis, the threat of the destruction of the nation-state, and the lack of regional policy. The stance is value-based and extremely critical, accusing the ruling powers of leading the country into crisis and serving the interests of lobbyists.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of regional policy and employment issues, highlighting the shortage of jobs outside Tallinn and Harju County and addressing the situation of seasonal agricultural labor. They utilize demographic arguments (the passing of the post-war generation, population decline) and reference international political events (AfD, Wilders, Le Pen, USAID).
10 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaking style is extremely combative, emotional, and urgent, stressing the threat of the nation-state's destruction and the necessity of taking responsibility. Strong personal and political attacks are employed ("brain dead," "dull-wittedness," "with a more corrupt party"), and there is an appeal to the listeners' intellectual capacity. The tone is predominantly accusatory and expresses rage, positioning the speaker against "globalists" and "liberalists."
10 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker was highly active during the plenary session on March 18, repeatedly posing questions and offering lengthy statements throughout the debates on the draft legislation. This pattern indicates a focus on active participation within the Riigikogu chamber, demanding the presence of the minister and raising points of order.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are "globalists," "liberalists," and specific political parties (e.g., the Social Democrats and a party accused of corruption whose support is below 2%). The criticism is intense, accusing opponents of undemocratic activities (e.g., creating instruments for controlling the opposition) and poisoning the state. The attacks are both political and personal/procedural, accusing the opposing side of brain-dead indifference.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The cooperation style demonstrates support for colleagues with similar viewpoints (Mr. Valge, Mr. Grünthal), whose arguments are compelling and substantiated. There is a complete lack of openness to compromise with the opposing side, who are considered the destroyers of the Estonian nation-state.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
A strong regional focus, highlighting the lack of jobs outside Tallinn and Harju County, and the subsequent depopulation of rural areas. It is noted that employers in rural areas (especially in agriculture) have a limited ability to pay competitive wages, which forces educated people to seek employment abroad.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are critical of the importation of cheap labor, which is viewed as a proposal drafted by certain lobbyists that will only deepen the crisis. There is a demand for a substantive regional policy that would create jobs and ensure competitive wages in Estonia, coupled with criticism of the Unemployment Insurance Fund’s (Töötukassa) activities as a waste of money.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is immigration, which is treated as an existential threat to the Estonian nation-state and the shrinking sphere of use for the Estonian language. Demographic concern is emphasized regarding the dying out of the Estonian people and the introduction of outsiders (Ukrainians, Russians, Muslims), which will lead to the takeover of the country.
10 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on the opposition to the bill regulating immigration, regarding which a specific impact analysis on the net migration balance is being demanded. Support is given to bills that would introduce referendums and public consultations in Estonia, while the creation of new control instruments (such as the ERJK's right of investigation) is opposed, as these are considered undemocratic.
10 Speeches Analyzed