Session Profile: Mart Helme
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
2025-04-08
Political Position
The political position is strongly oppositional, focusing on the disastrous nature of the government’s actions and their ideological absurdity. The tax hike package is highlighted most sharply, particularly the widely detested car tax. The speaker frames the current situation as Estonia transforming into a failed state and connects this development to the disintegration of the European Union. The standpoints are strongly value- and results-based, drawing comparisons between the current situation and the foolish ideologies of the Soviet Union.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates a detailed understanding of tax policy, specifically mentioning the timing of the VAT increase and the immediate impact of the car tax on the public. Their expertise also extends to gauging public opinion, as they claim to know that the car tax is the most widely detested tax hike.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely combative, emotional, and contemptuous, employing strong pejorative labels such as "nonsense," "absurdity," "idiocy," and "mumbo-jumbo." The appeals are ideological, relying on historical comparisons to the Soviet Union rather than data. The tone is aggressive and dialogue-precluding, displaying sarcasm (e.g., the suggestion regarding putting Siim Kallas's and Mart Võrklaev's pictures on dollars).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker monitors the plenary sessions from the faction’s office via screen. He also emphasizes his active travel and engagement with the public, especially in rural areas, to understand the direct impact of policy and public opinion.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party and their coalition partners (the "satellites"). The criticism is intense and fundamental, attacking the government’s competence and ideology, and predicting the collapse of the state. Compromise is completely ruled out, as the opponent's views are considered contentless "mula" (hot air) and sheer idiocy.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation with the governing parties is completely absent; the speaker is extremely confrontational and dismissive. Collaboration with colleagues (e.g., the colleague from Raplamaa) is evident in confirming shared observations and public sentiment regarding tax increases.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is directed towards rural areas, where the speaker claims to travel extensively in order to understand the immediate impact of tax increases on the populace. The Raplamaa region is also mentioned in connection with a colleague's activities.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
The speaker is strongly against the tax hikes, calling them a "tax spree" and focusing on the negative impact they have on the public. The car tax, in particular, is criticized as the most hated tax among the populace. Elevated VAT rates are also mentioned.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Insufficient data
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is opposition to the government's tax package (including the car tax and increased VAT rates). The speaker positions themselves as a strong opponent of the government's fiscal policy initiatives, stressing how unpopular they are among the public.
3 Speeches Analyzed