Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
Amendment of the Constitution
2024-11-20
15th Estonian Parliament, 4th sitting, press briefing.
Political Position
The political focus centers on the integrity of the Constitution and the principle of state law, stressing that the right to vote is exclusively the privilege of Estonian citizens. The speaker is strongly opposed to the coalition's plan to grant non-citizens voting rights at the constitutional level, viewing this as a defilement of the Constitution and a step backward. This position is value-based and consistent, emphasizing that the same point has been made for over ten years.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in constitutional law and election statistics, clearly referencing a constitutional principle. Specific data is presented regarding the number of Russian citizens (21,900) and non-citizens (24,800) who participated in the 2021 local elections. Estimates are also utilized concerning the widespread possession of Russian passports among holders of the 'grey passport' (non-citizens).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is combative, critical, and direct, employing strong expressions such as "you are defiling the Estonian Constitution" and "dodging, scheming, and cover-ups." The tone is accusatory, criticizing the coalition's arrogant behavior ("haughtily and arrogantly"), yet supporting the arguments with both constitutional principles and specific election data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker actively participates in Riigikogu proceedings and the information hour, citing consistent activity and the reiteration of their position over the past decade. They have been an active legislative initiator, having submitted a draft bill for an alternative constitutional amendment.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the governing coalition, which is being sharply criticized both for its arrogant procedural conduct and the substance of the proposed legislation. The criticism is intense, accusing the coalition of undermining the constitution and massively granting suffrage to citizens of the aggressor state, implying that they are pursuing "Putin’s agenda." Compromise is ruled out if it involves voting rights for non-citizens.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is prepared to seek a compromise, but sets the exclusion of voting rights for non-citizens from the constitution as a prerequisite. He has previously collaborated with the Isamaa faction and some independent MPs, submitting a joint draft constitutional amendment.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on the national and international levels, addressing amendments to the Estonian Constitution and relations with the European Union and the Russian Federation. Although the topic concerns local elections, the approach is based on constitutional law and security considerations.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The main social issue concerns citizenship and suffrage, which is being addressed from the perspective of constitutional principle and national security. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of restricting the participation of non-citizens and citizens of the aggressor state in local elections, in order to safeguard the privileges of Estonian citizens.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on the constitutional amendment bills, where the speaker is both a staunch opponent of the opposing side's proposal and the initiator of an alternative draft. The objective is to resolve a public law issue by ensuring that non-citizens do not have the right to vote, and by supporting the conclusion of the reading of both bills for the purpose of seeking a compromise.
2 Speeches Analyzed