Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
Interpellation concerning the collection of data on post-abortion complications (No. 550)
2024-05-27
Fifteenth Riigikogu, third session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly value-driven and conservative, framing the abortion debate as a fundamental "difference in worldview." The speaker counters the government's narrative, asserting that only conservatives truly stand for women's physical and mental well-being. Criticism is aimed at the government's inaction and the dissemination of ideological slogans funded by taxpayer money.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the operational procedures of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament), specifically concerning the submission and rejection of interpellations, as well as the state budget funding of non-profit organizations (NGOs), citing expenditures amounting to hundreds of millions. The subject matter expertise focuses on the irreversible and severe consequences of abortion on women's health, repeatedly referencing studies that indicate risks of infertility, depression, and suicide.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is highly combative, sharp, and emotional, using strongly polarizing and moralizing expressions such as "Satanic death culture" and "screaming radical feminists." The speaker uses rhetorical questions and contrasts to emphasize the ideological conflict, and accuses the opposing side of "blatant lying to their face" and "tossing out empty red slogans."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The pattern of activity demonstrates persistence in submitting legislative inquiries and demanding responses, citing a specific query that was filed nearly a year ago (on June 14, 2023). The speaker is an active critic of the government's inaction and lack of response, emphasizing that the minister has failed to clarify even the most basic figures.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the minister (for incompetence and failure to respond), the government (for funding ideological propaganda), and "screaming radical feminists." The criticism is both procedural (lack of data) and intensely ideological, accusing opponents of promoting a "satanic death culture." Compromise is ruled out because this is a confrontation based on fundamental worldviews.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is exclusively on the national level: the proceedings of the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament), the activities of the Ministry of Social Affairs, and the use of the state budget for funding NGOs. No specific regional or international topics are mentioned.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives are highly critical of government spending, particularly the allocation of hundreds of millions in taxpayer funds toward the ideological NGO sector. The speaker is demanding stricter budgetary discipline and accountability when funding ideological campaigns that fail to address genuine social issues.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus is on the issue of abortion, where the speaker strongly advocates for the protection of the culture of life, opposing slogans such as "your body, your choice." Emphasis is placed on the severe, irreversible consequences of abortion for women's mental and physical health, while criticizing state-funded campaigns like "A condom is sex."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on an inquiry regarding the collection of data on post-abortion complications, the goal of which is to compel the government to acknowledge and investigate the negative consequences of abortion. The speaker is the initiator, demanding a substantive response and clarification of the actual risks in order to reduce the number of "tragic abortions."
2 Speeches Analyzed