Session Profile: Mart Helme

The political focus is heavily directed toward food security and the rural crisis, demanding the declaration of a state of emergency in agriculture due to African swine fever and unfavorable weather conditions. Additionally, national preparedness against the threat of cross-border environmental pollution (Ust-Luga) and the spread of invasive species is being emphasized. The attitude toward the government's actions is critical, calling for a shift in financial priorities in favor of rural development, prioritizing this over the funding of the defense industry. The focus is strongly centered on evaluating the government's actions and performance.

The speaker demonstrates expertise in the field of invasive species, citing the history of the raccoon dog and the ecological damage it causes (rabies, parasites). He also provides a detailed overview of the agricultural crisis, referencing the impact of swine fever and specific pork self-sufficiency rates (which have dropped from 75% to 35%). Furthermore, the technical aspects of planning environmental pollution control are addressed.

The speaker employs a passionate and urgent style, utilizing both logical arguments (such as the drop in food security percentages) and emotional appeals concerning the necessity of preserving rural life. Illustrative examples and historical digressions are employed (the story of the raccoon dog, fur hats) to underscore the multi-layered nature of the issues. The conclusion delivers a clear and powerful value-based message: "As long as the Estonian village lives, the Estonian nation lives."

The pattern of activity demonstrates active participation in submitting and expanding interpellations during the plenary session, directly addressing several ministers (the Minister of Rural Affairs, the Minister of Defence). The opportunity is utilized to pose questions and request additional time in order to thoroughly address the subject matter.

The criticism is directed at the government and ministers (especially the Minister of Rural Affairs) for their inaction and setting misplaced priorities, demanding emergency measures to support agriculture. Also criticized are the "unhealthy" attitudes of urbanized society towards predator management and rural life, which are generating conflicts.

The collaborative approach emphasizes the need for inter-ministerial action (Ministry of Defence and Ministry of the Interior) in mitigating environmental threats, as well as for international consultation (Finland). Resolving the rural crisis requires collective and swift action within the government when developing the relevant packages of measures.

The regional focus is directed both at international threats (the Ust-Luga pollution incident, invasive species arriving from Russia) and the preservation of Estonian rural life and agriculture. Strong emphasis is placed on the importance of Estonian rural communities and food security, as well as predator-related issues in livestock farming.

Economic views are centered on resolving the agricultural crisis, demanding emergency financial support and intervention from the government. Emphasis is placed on the need to maintain food security and employment in rural areas, while simultaneously criticizing the balance of state expenditures (Ukraine and the defense industry versus rural life).

The conflict between rural residents and urbanized society over predator management and animal welfare is sharply addressed among the social themes. It is stressed that urbanization has led to an unhealthy perspective on the role of animals, both in the wild and on the farm, which creates significant friction. Additionally, the broader issue of invasive species and the associated risks of disease transmission are examined.

Legislative focus is currently centered on the demand made to the Minister of Rural Affairs to submit proposals to the government for declaring a state of emergency in agriculture and for developing corresponding financial support packages. Mapping environmental and security threats (pollution, invasive species) and developing elimination measures are also priorities.