Session Profile: Mart Helme
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
2025-06-04
Political Position
The political position is strongly directed against the widespread construction of wind energy facilities, emphasizing their senselessness and environmental hazards (microplastics, wildlife). The main priority is the abolition of the Political Parties Financing Surveillance Committee (ERJK), as it is viewed as an ideologically biased tool of the regime that oversteps its mandate. These positions are strongly value-based, focusing on protecting homes and the environment, and combating political corruption.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge in both energy policy (landowner compensation, wind farm site selection) and the supervision of political financing (ERJK structure, functions, and plans for its transfer to the National Audit Office). Separate emphasis is placed on environmental and health risks, citing recent studies on microplastic pollution originating from wind turbines and its carcinogenic effects.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker employs a highly combative, emotional, and accusatory style, frequently using strong negative judgments ("absurd," "ridiculous," "blatant hypocrisy"). Historical parallels (Lenin, Soviet power) and dramatic metaphors ("sharpening axes," "the tree doesn't grow to the sky") are utilized to underscore the seriousness of the situation and the perceived political bias. The appeals are aimed more at emotions and values than at detailed data analysis.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speeches were delivered during the plenary session of the Riigikogu. Reference is made to previous regular media activity, including participation in the TV3 post-news debate program and the Tre Raadio show "Räägime asjast," which demonstrates active involvement in media debates.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is extremely intense, directed against the Reform Party-led "Ref Yoke Government" and "liberals," who are accused of hypocrisy and creating corrupt schemes (e.g., the SALK case). Particularly sharp criticism is aimed at the ERJK, which is considered an organization hijacked by the Social Democrats and ideologically biased, specifically naming Liisa Oviir and Kaarel Tarand. Compromise is ruled out, emphasizing the necessity of liquidating the regime.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
Cooperation is only discussed in the past tense, specifically referencing the previous coalition's plan to abolish the ERJK and transfer its functions to the National Audit Office. There is skepticism about reaching a compromise with the current government, based on the assumption that the government's draft bill will contain only "cosmetic changes."
6 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is primarily on national political and institutional issues (ERJK, energy policy). Vinni municipality is highlighted as a regional example to illustrate the disregard for local involvement when establishing wind farms. It is recommended that wind farms only be built on "a solitary island" in order to spare the residents.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic viewpoints are linked to the impact of regulations, stressing that expanding the scope of the wind farm easement fee makes their construction economically unviable. Criticism is leveled at the bias in the supervision of political financing, which creates unfair economic liability by demanding payment for donations even when media coverage is involved.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is directed toward protecting civil society from political pressure, citing as an example the exceeding of ERJK's authority in actions taken against the Foundation for the Protection of Family and Tradition (SAPTK). Health risks have also been highlighted concerning microplastic pollution generated by wind turbines, which is considered one of the most serious carcinogens.
6 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The main legislative priority is the dissolution of the ERJK and the transfer of its functions to the National Audit Office, supporting the opposition's corresponding draft legislation. The speaker is strongly opposed to the current regulations governing the construction of wind farms, which disregard local interests and environmental safety.
6 Speeches Analyzed