Agenda Profile: Martin Helme
Draft law amending the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (536 SE) – first reading
2024-11-20
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The core political stance is that the right to vote in Estonia must be the exclusive special privilege of Estonian citizens in all elections (local, parliamentary/Riigikogu, and European elections). The speaker strongly opposes the coalition's constitutional amendment bill (536 SE) because it maintains and guarantees voting rights for non-citizens, while simultaneously revoking them from Russian citizens. This position is strongly value-based, focusing on the principles of state law and citizenship.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in constitutional law and constitutional amendment procedures by fact-checking the current regulation concerning the voting rights of non-citizens. Technical terms such as "legitimate expectation" are employed, and it is stressed that the draft bill elevates the guarantee to the constitutional level, which essentially constitutes the granting of a new right. Awareness of voter turnout statistics is also shown (30,000 Russian citizens versus 24,000 grey passport holders).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker's style is highly combative, critical, and ironic, employing strong emotional appeals and sarcasm aimed at the coalition. Sharp and confrontational language is used (e.g., "defacing the constitution," "you spit in their faces," "with brute force"), and the political power struggle is emphasized. The logical argumentation focuses on exposing the opposing side's inconsistency and hypocrisy regarding the curtailment of rights.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The data is limited to the address given in the Riigikogu chamber during the first reading of the draft act on amending the constitution. Previous activity in the Constitutional Committee is mentioned, and reference is made to forthcoming votes, including the rejection of the bill proposed by one's own faction.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main opponent is the government coalition, especially the Reform Party, which is accused of hypocrisy regarding the removal of rights (referencing the COVID era, hate speech legislation, and gun restrictions). The criticism is intense and addresses both political consistency and the procedural strong-arming used to push through constitutional amendments. Opponents are accused of "propaganda" and "labeling," and they are being called upon to seek compromise "across the board."
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is demanding that a compromise be sought outside the coalition to secure the necessary support for amending the constitution, setting a three-month timeframe for this. The prerequisite for cooperation is a willingness to discuss the issue of non-citizens' voting rights with opposition parties between the two readings. The coalition's current behavior is viewed as being contrary to the spirit of cooperation ("spitting in the face").
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is entirely at the national level, dealing with constitutional law and citizenship issues that relate specifically to voting rights in local elections. There is no specific regional or local focus.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
Among social issues, strong opposition is highlighted regarding government restrictions on citizens' freedoms, citing examples like bodily autonomy, the limitation of free speech through the narrative of hate speech, and restrictions on the right to bear arms. A key social topic is the issue of voting rights for non-citizens and Russian citizens in Estonia, where calls are being made to remove suffrage from both Russian citizens and holders of the gray passport.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is opposing the draft law amending the Constitution (536 SE) in its current form. The objective is to secure an amendment that would strip the right to vote from all non-citizens and Russian citizens, thereby making suffrage an exclusive right of Estonian citizens. The coalition is accused of fast-tracking and strong-arming the constitutional amendment draft through.
2 Speeches Analyzed