Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
The Minister of Defence's 2025 presentation on the implementation of the state's long-term development strategy "Estonia 2035"
2025-09-09
15th Riigikogu, 6th sitting, plenary session.
Political Position
The most prominent issue is the state of national defense and security, where the speaker asserts that Estonia is less protected than it was previously, criticizing the government for incompetence and dishonesty. The stance is strongly confrontational, focusing on the government's performance (failure) and ethical deficiencies (lying, corruption). The speaker rejects the government's myth of "Estonia being in safe hands" and demands political accountability.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in the specifics of national defense, citing particular issues concerning armament (HIMARS, artillery, ammunition) and command capabilities (US control). Reference is also made to the State Audit Office report detailing irregularities in the management of defense spending (5% of GDP). Concrete examples of deficiencies in intelligence and defense capabilities are provided (the incident involving the Ukrainian drone and tanker).
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is extremely combative, aggressive, and accusatory, repeatedly employing strong emotional terms such as "complete bluff," "rubbish," "cynical lie," and "they are brazenly stealing." The speaker combines the presentation of concrete facts (drone and tanker incidents, National Audit Office) with powerful emotional appeals demanding accountability and resignation. The tone is predominantly intimidating and attributes hysteria to opponents, while simultaneously requiring immediate action.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The rhythm of the discourse is reactive, addressing specific questions and referencing recent events (the drone incident) and official reports (the Minister of Defence's presentation, the National Audit Office's report). This takes place within the context of a parliamentary debate, where replies are directed at other speakers and the minister.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponents are the Reform Party and its leaders (Hanno Pevkur, Michal), who stand accused of systemic failure, lying, and corruption. The criticism is intense and widespread, covering both political incompetence and ethical decline. Attacks are also directed at security structures and the mainstream media, who are accused of acting as a mouthpiece for the government and intimidating the public.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
There is a total absence of willingness to cooperate; the speaker demands the departure of opponents and the firing of the people who created the system, effectively ruling out their ability to improve the situation. Reference is made to Raimond Kaljulaid, who also demanded Pevkur's resignation, which suggests the existence of similar viewpoints among the opposition.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is clearly on national security (Estonia's defense capabilities, airspace) and the international context (military aid to Ukraine, the Russian threat, the USA's role in arms control). Local or regional Estonian topics are absent; the emphasis is placed on guaranteeing the nation's sovereignty and defense capacity.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic arguments focus on criticizing the management of the national defense budget (5% of GDP), claiming that hundreds of millions of euros have been misspent due to incompetence and corruption. The lack of fiscal discipline is emphasized, along with the Reform Party's previous lie concerning tax increases.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Social problems are only briefly mentioned in the list of the Reform Party’s failures (demographics, immigration), but no specific positions or detailed analysis have been presented in these areas. The primary social concern is related to frightening the public for political ends.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently aimed at demanding accountability and the removal of the government by parliament, due to systemic chaos (a complete mess) and financial irregularities in the defense sector. The main priority is restoring oversight of defense procurement and warehouses, and firing incompetent officials and ministers.
3 Speeches Analyzed